Head Regional Category Direct

The Head Regional Category Direct role is a leadership position within KFC (Pty) Ltd's BMU Supply Chain Management department. You will guide the Yum category management team, focusing on direct F&P categories, to create and implement long-term strategies that provide a competitive edge and foster Yum's growth. This role covers the entire BU Africa region and all Yum! brands.

• Lead and mentor a regional category management team, partnering with regional leadership and stakeholders to align on strategic and business priorities.
• Be part of the global category management leadership, defining Yum's procurement strategy and direction.
• Build and nurture a high-performing regional category management team, promoting capability-building programs for Yum category management.
• Transform category management into strategic supplier partnerships, demonstrating value and growth for Yum, and influencing BMU and Franchisee stakeholders.
• Drive the development and implementation of a 5-year Food & Packaging strategy, including value creation plans and sourcing strategies, in collaboration with the global category management team.
• Develop strategic partnerships with relevant regional external partners, creating business cases for long-term investments.
• Oversee key negotiations with strategic category suppliers as needed.
• Identify and mitigate strategic risks, especially in core product categories.
• Collaborate with regional brand teams to drive specification harmonization and optimization.
• Champion sustainability initiatives within the supply chain, reducing environmental impact and supporting Good Growth commitments.

• 10+ years of experience in senior supply chain roles, preferably in the food industry or a related field.
• Strong strategic leadership skills with a proven track record of leading long-term strategic projects.
• Exceptional leadership abilities, willing to challenge the status quo and drive change.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and inspire multi-country teams, fostering their growth.
• Excellent communication and partnership skills, able to collaborate effectively with internal and external partners globally.
• Skill in gaining buy-in and influencing key stakeholders at all levels within a global organization.
• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Project Management or a related field.
• Master's degree in Industrial/Business/Logistics/SCM is preferred.
• A high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement.
• 10 years of experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, and Logistics Management is essential.