Join to apply for the Head of Brand Communications & Retail role at KFC UK & Ireland
Join to apply for the Head of Brand Communications & Retail role at KFC UK & Ireland
We sell the world’s best chicken. Seriously. And we’ve done it since 1939, when the idea of crispy, original recipe chicken took Kentucky by storm. Now, we’re proud to serve 1000+ communities across the UK and Ireland, bringing the grit, pride and iconic reputation that we started with, all those years ago.
Across the Restaurant Support Centre (RSC), we come to work to be ourselves, and to make something of ourselves. We want to see our potential go that little bit further, as part of one of the world’s most iconic brands.
What’s the gig? Well, you support our restaurants — and we’ll support you every step of the way. Simple. Our doors are open — and they can take you anywhere.
All we ask is that you be you. Because that makes us, us. Sound good?
Great. Let’s find out about that job.
THE TEAM
Our Marketing team is a 50-strong crew of bold thinkers, culture shapers and creative doers - from Brand and Digital to Strategy, Food Quality and Innovation. We’re here to keep KFC at the heart of culture across the UK & Ireland, blending our iconic roots with fresh, fearless ideas that connect with real people. We don’t just make ads - we build love, drive growth, and stay one step ahead of what’s next.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We’re looking for a bold, creative, and commercially sharp Head of Brand Communications & Retail to join KFC UKI and help lead the charge toward our ambitious 2030 growth vision.
Reporting directly to the Marketing Director, this is a high-impact, senior role at the heart of our £2 billion brand. You’ll own and lead the full marketing mix—brand strategy, advertising, media, PR, and retail campaigns—translating big ideas into business growth and driving impact across every channel.
You’ll drive footfall, fame, and fan devotion—thinking big, moving fast, and inspiring a team and agency partners (including Mother, Mindshare and Uncovered) to swing big and make real impact. You’ll lead cross-functional workstreams, tackle challenges like HFSS with creative thinking, and play a key role in shaping how KFC shows up in culture.
It’s a role for someone who leads with belief, puts people first, and knows how to turn powerful storytelling into real results.
With significant investment in marketing, global collaboration opportunities across Yum! Brands, and a proven track record for developing top talent, this is a rare opportunity to help define the future of one of the UK’s most loved brands—while building your own path toward Marketing Director or CMO.
Are you ready to lead one of the most exciting briefs in the industry? Let’s talk.
WHAT WILL YOU SPEND YOUR TIME DOING?
* Influence and execute the marketing plan (both retail and brand campaigns) to drive results against all profit and growth targets;
* Deliver campaigns that drive fame, call to action and inspire devotion by our super fans;
* Support a smooth omnichannel brand experience along all points of the customer journey.
* Drive new and innovative ways to engage with existing fans and drive consideration for new customers.
* Develop and deliver a Sponsorship/Partnership marketing strategy (including optimising and auditing local partnership propositions and marketing approaches).
* Provide inspirational leadership by coaching and mentoring, and empowering teams by appropriate delegation.
* Retain and attract top-flight, engaged, inquisitive and diverse individuals
* Manage our world class agency partners.
WHAT WE WOULD LOVE FROM YOU
EXPERIENCE
* A highly experienced marketer who has the experience and skill-sets to devise and deliver marketing growth strategies and retail promotional planning in a fast-paced food/retail environment.
* Experienced at delivering courageous, innovative, compelling campaigns that drive effectiveness and business results
* Experienced at leading trusted relationships with agency partners to drive exceptional creative work.
* Deep experience across all media, including social
* A natural leader who is passionate about building, coaching and empowering, diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
* Has managed significant marketing and media budgets (£30M+)
ABOUT YOU
* Has a genuine love for KFC. A true Believer.
* Is fun to work with - doesn’t take themselves too seriously and is comfortable within themselves.
* Has a challenger mindset.
* An inspiring leader who can influence with impact.
* A people grower with a passion for coaching and championing a great culture
* A passion for continuous improvement and the ability to review and identify issues and opportunities in business processes and systems..
* A strong combination of strategic vision and a willingness to be hands on in all aspects with the ability to react with agility, course-correct and dive into the detail when required.
* Has a natural ability and gravitas to manage key stakeholders including the Leadership team and Franchisee partners.
* Highly commercial, P&L accountable with an understanding of the impact of strategic and operational decisions on profitable business growth.
* Is a creative thinker who champions brand thinking.
* Ideally is internationally mobile in the future.
* Combines the maths and magic of marketing and knows when to play which
* Broad business thinker beyond the marketing function.
* Consumer champion, consumer orientated decision making.
WHATS IN IT FOR YOU
We offer benefits that make your life that little bit easier — because we know the juggle is real.
From flexible, hybrid working to Fri-Yay early finishes and Live Well Days, we’ve created a package that supports the real you, in and out of work.
You’ll get:
Hybrid working from our Woking RSC (just 24 mins from London)
Up to 11% company pension contributions
Fri-Yay finishes at 1pm every Friday
5 Live Well Days a year, just for you
Bonus scheme linked to company & personal performance
???? Private healthcare, Digital GP access & mental health coaching
Enhanced parental leave and flexible return options
And yes — 25% off the chicken
KFC IS FOR EVERYONE:
Whoever you are and wherever you’re from, KFC is a place where you can bring the real you to work.
Our promise is this: every person who applies to a role at KFC, regardless of age, background, ethnicity, gender, ability, religion or sexual orientation, will have an equal opportunity to work here. We don’t just welcome, we encourage applications from underrepresented groups from all industries.
If you’d like any additional support with your application, have a disability or condition that may affect your performance during the recruitment process, or have any other requirements — just let us know. We’ll be there to help you be the real you.
READY?
We hope so. If you’re ready to be part of our community, now’s the time to apply.
Worried you aren’t ticking all the boxes? Don’t - we’d still love to hear from you
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Marketing, Advertising, and Strategy/Planning
* Industries
Retail and Hospitality
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