Regional FSQA Lead

We’re KFC, an iconic brand serving world-famous finger lickin’ good fried chicken since 1952. With more than 28,000 restaurants across 150 countries and territories, our people and culture are at the heart of everything we do—creating an environment where individuals can be their best selves, make a difference, and have fun. Our KFC Global division, based in Dallas, TX, supports regional teams, franchise partners, and nearly one million team members worldwide. With a hybrid work environment and strong cross-functional collaboration, we work together to share the joy of great-tasting chicken across the globe. As part of Yum! Brands, we also collaborate with leading brands like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habit Burger & Grill.

This role leads the end-to-end execution of YUM FSQA standards across Africa, ensuring full compliance with global, regulatory, and brand requirements across suppliers, distribution centres, and restaurants. It drives a risk-based, data-led FSQA system while leading the regional Centre of Excellence (COE), shaping strategy, delivering key projects, and aligning with global direction. The role oversees third-party audits and product cuttings, ensuring consistent, robust governance across the supply chain. Partnering closely with franchise markets, suppliers, auditors, and cross-functional teams, it builds capability, strengthens system performance, and ensures standards are embedded. Through strong leadership and influence, it champions a “Trust in Every Bite” culture, driving risk mitigation, crisis readiness, and continuous improvement to protect consumers and enable sustainable growth.

Responsibilities

Strategic FSQA Leadership & Governance (25%)

• Define and lead Africa FSQA strategy aligned to global standards, ESG, and brand priorities
• Establish risk-based supplier segmentation and long-term supply assurance frameworks
• Drive end-to-end FSQA systems across suppliers, DCs, and restaurants
• Standardize and evolve supplier food safety programs and compliance models
• Align regional execution with global direction and translate international requirements locally
• Lead structured, data-driven risk management across Africa

Planning & Market Readiness (15%)

• Plan FSQA requirements for new market entry and ensure execution readiness
• Ensure full compliance with global QA&FS standards and regulatory requirements
• Partner with Development and Operations to embed FSQA into design and execution
• Identify FSQA gaps and drive cross-functional action plans
• Support 100% approved and compliant supply across the region
• Lead participation in global forums and cross-functional FSQA projects

Execution: Supplier & Supply Chain Assurance (15%)

• Own supplier approval, onboarding, and performance management across all categories
• Ensure compliance across food safety, quality systems, packaging, and distribution
• Lead CAPA programs driven by audits, KPIs, and performance insights
• Oversee specifications, product validation, and supplier line signoffs
• Conduct supplier visits and manage onboarding, including LTOs and system integration.

Risk Management & Crisis Leadership (10%)

• Lead crisis management, product recalls, and incident response across Africa
• Approve and manage Alternative Minimum Standards (AMS) through risk assessment
• Identify and mitigate risks using complaints, audits, and trend analysis
• Ensure robust HACCP, microbiological, and environmental food safety systems
• Drive complaint management, root cause analysis, and prevention actions

Franchise & Market Capability Building (10%)

• Coach and influence franchise markets to embed FSQA standards
• Deliver structured capability programs (training, webinars, summits, site visits)
• Strengthen food safety culture and QA capability within markets
• Ensure consistent execution of FSQA standards across franchise teams

Audit, Compliance & Data-Driven Improvement (10%)

• Oversee third-party audits and ensure alignment to GFSI standards
• Standardize audit calibration and drive consistency across markets
• Link performance data to supplier risk and corrective actions
• Drive continuous improvement to simplify systems and enhance compliance

Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration (5%)

• Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Development, and Global FSQA teams
• Support innovation, new market entry, and operational readiness
• Represent Africa in global forums and industry platforms
• Manage relationships with certification bodies and external stakeholders

Leadership & Team Management (10%)

• Lead and develop a high-performing FSQA team across Africa
• Drive accountability, capability building, and continuous improvement culture
• Provide strategic insights and performance updates to senior leadership and ExCo
• Support succession planning and long-term capability development

Education & Experience (and Other Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Public Health, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, or related field required. Advanced degree preferred.
• 8-10+ years’ experience in FSQA within food/QSR industry.
• Strong knowledge of: HACCP, GMP, GFSI standards, FSMA, environmental monitoring .
• Proven experience in: Supplier management and audit programs ,Crisis management and product recall ,Cross-functional leadership and change management .
• Experience in QSR is advantageous.
• Lead Auditor Programs
• Demonstrated experience supporting multiple countries, markets, or regions.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GFSI standards, supplier quality systems, specifications management, and crisis management.
• Experience working within franchise systems and diverse regulatory environments preferred.
• Strong coaching, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to build cross-functional partnerships and drive alignment without direct authority.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk assessment capabilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and multicultural environment.
• Ability to travel approximately 30-40% as business needs require.