As the Manager, People & Culture – Equity & Franchise Operations, you will play a pivotal role in enabling our restaurant teams to thrive by leading people strategies across two key segments of the business:

Direct accountability for supporting our company-owned (equity) restaurants, providing hands-on HR partnership, coaching, and execution of people initiatives.
Strategic influence and partnership in supporting our franchise system, working closely with Franchise Operations leadership and Field Operations teams to guide, consult, and support consistent, people-first practices that align with KFC’s broader goals.
Drive strategic system-wide impact by serving as a trusted advisor to senior franchise leaders and partnering closely with Operations Leadership to align priorities and solutions. Take full ownership of identifying, analyzing, and solving high-impact, cross-functional challenges that influence operations, culture, and the guest experience across the brand.

This is a rare opportunity to make a significant impact across both ownership models and help shape the people experience throughout the entire KFC U.S. system.

Here’s How You’ll Spice Things Up:

HR Business Partner – Equity Restaurant Support

Lead HR support for Equity Operations leaders (Ops Directors, Area Coaches, RGMs, AGMs).
Drive execution of people strategies: talent, onboarding, performance, employee relations, and engagement.
Provide coaching to field leaders; ensure compliance and consistent employee experiences.
Partner with Legal on sensitive issues; lead culture and leadership program execution.

Franchise Operations – Strategic HR Support

Advise franchise leadership on people strategy and leadership development.
Align franchise practices with KFC’s culture, brand, and goals.
Support onboarding of new franchisees and rollout of key People & Culture initiatives.
Build strong field partnerships and influence through insights and expertise.

Talent & Culture Leadership

Lead talent reviews, development planning, and leadership programs (LEAD, Keystone, Heartstyles).
Promote inclusion and equity; monitor people metrics to drive engagement and performance.

Operational & Program Support

Partner with COEs to resolve HR issues and improve processes.
Support market transitions and cross-functional initiatives with a people-first lens.

What You Bring to the Table:

Education & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field required.
PHR or SHRM certification preferred.

Experience

7-10 years of progressive HR experience in a multi-unit, field-based role.
Experience supporting both company-owned and franchise operations is highly preferred.
Proven success in employee relations, organizational change, and talent development.
Strong background in the restaurant, retail, or hospitality industry is a plus.

KFC Corporation, based in Plano, Texas, is one of the few brands in America that can boast about having a rich, 60-year history of success and innovation. In fact, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain and a division of Yum! Brands, the world’s largest restaurant company.

Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, has over 45,000 restaurants in more than 135 countries and territories and is one of the Aon Hewitt Top Companies for Leaders in North America. In 2018, Yum! Brands was recognized as part of the inaugural Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. The company’s restaurant brands – KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell – are global leaders of the chicken, pizza and Mexican-style food categories.

More important than our size is our commitment to breakthrough innovation and the success of our employees. We're proud of the unique culture we've built, one where everyone can be their best self, make a difference and have fun! We believe in our people, trust in their positive intentions, encourage ideas from everyone, and have actively developed a workforce that is diverse in style and background.

KFC US

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