Head of Corporate & Community Affairs (14 month contract) - #143108

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 Corporate Affairs and Sustainability team is a small but mighty group of specialists who turn ambition into action - building stronger communities, protecting the planet, and driving responsible growth. From media and public affairs to sustainability and community engagement, we keep KFC trusted, relevant, and ready for what’s next.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

This is a high-impact role at the heart of KFC UK&I’s reputation, policy, and community strategy - shaping how we show up in the world, and why it matters. You’ll work closely with senior leaders to lead our corporate narrative across media, government, and community channels, while guiding responses to key issues and moments that matter.

From advising on policy and building trusted relationships with stakeholders, to leading purpose-led campaigns and bringing our community programmes to life, this role blends strategic thinking with bold, values-led action. It’s a unique opportunity to help build a brand that’s not only iconic, but influential - and to make a real difference in the places we work and serve.

WHAT YOU WILL SPEND YOUR TIME DOING:

Strategic Leadership & Reputation Management

Lead long-term strategies that protect and elevate KFC’s reputation. Provide counsel to senior leaders, monitor external risks and opportunities, and drive initiatives that strengthen our brand and community impact.

Corporate Comms, Media & Press Office

Oversee our corporate communications strategy and press office. Act as a senior advisor on media and public positioning, lead media relations, manage crisis communications, and align messaging across teams and channels.

Policy, Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement

Shape and deliver a public affairs strategy that aligns with business goals. Lead policy development, engage key stakeholders, and support store growth through political and community engagement.

Community Impact

Drive our community strategy across key programmes like food donation and youth employability. Collaborate cross-functionally to bring initiatives to life, ensuring KFC is seen as a positive force in local communities.

Crisis & Issues Management

Lead KFC’s response to reputational risks with proactive crisis planning and strategic communications. Advise senior leaders and ensure swift, coordinated responses across functions.

Team Leadership

Co-lead the Corporate Affairs & Sustainability team. Build a high-performing, inclusive team culture and ensure alignment to business strategy through mentorship, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with teams across Marketing, Ops, Legal, and People & Culture to integrate corporate affairs into key business decisions and keep global and regional stakeholders informed.

WHAT WE WOULD LOVE FROM YOU:

• Proven experience in leading reputation management, included corporate communications, public affairs, stakeholder and community engagement and crisis management within a complex, multinational organisation, ideally in the QSR, hospitality, retail or other related sectors.
• Strong track record of stakeholder engagement across political and community spheres, engaging and influencing key stakeholders
• Experience in leading and managing a team, fostering a culture of collaboration and high performance.
• Expertise in media relations and managing large-scale campaigns
• Ability to navigate complex, high-pressure situations, with a focus on strategic decision-making and maintaining a positive reputation.
• Skilled in community engagement and creating campaigns that resonate with both internal and external audiences, particularly through partnership with Marketing.
• Strategic thinker with a deep understanding of corporate reputation management, and the ability to align communications with business objectives.
• Experience working with senior leadership and advising on reputation management, issues management, and crisis communications.

What’s 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

25 days’ holiday (plus bank hols)

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

Study support, income protection, life cover & more

And yes — 25% off the chicken

Because real ones deserve real rewards.

Ready?

We hope so, if you’re ready to be part of our community, now’s the time to apply.

Please note: This is a 14 month maternity contract