Restaurant Excellence, Operations

KFC CEE is seeking a versatile and operationally-savvy Restaurant Excellence (Rex) Manager to help drive operational excellence and build functional capabilities across the system. This "multi-hat" role is designed for a proactive leader who can manage core Rex processes, systems, and projects while also owning the operational learning and development (L&D) agenda. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in QSR / Retail, with the ability to optimize processes, manage technology rollouts, and develop robust programs for our operational teams across Central and Eastern Europe

Rex Operations & Process Excellence: 

• Operational Standards: Oversee and enforce core operational standards, including back-of-house layouts, equipment standards, and compliance protocols. 
• Process Management: Manage key operational processes including vendor relationships and execution across markets. 
• Capex & Equipment: Drive capex optimization by managing capex calculators, contributing to equipment engineering, and driving vendor discussions on ops technology. 
• Action Planning: Support markets with the creation and execution of their action plans, tracking completion and addressing gaps with franchisees. 
• Project Management: Lead and/or contribute to critical Rex projects aimed at improving efficiency and guest experience, such as launching new concepts (product, equipment, guest experience) and Capex reduction initiatives. 

Operational Capability & Development (L&D): 

• Capability Building: Design and lead targeted capability-building initiatives and systems to enhance the skills and knowledge of our operational teams. 
• Culture lead: act as a culture champion for the region, leading events which contribute to building a strong and positive culture  

Rex Technology & Systems: 

• System Administration & Oversight: Manage the administration of key operational systems, including LMS, restaurant/employee data base, business intelligence tools and others, ensuring data integrity and user support. 
• Ops Tech Rollouts: Support the management and rollout of ops technology solutions such as e-routines, including vendor management and field support. 
• System Audits: Oversee the process for setting up and managing contractors as work auditors within our systems, ensuring correct classification and functionality

Working Relationships

• Head of REX (Coach) – primary internal relationship
• COO CEE 
• Broader CEE Ops team
• Field P&C Business Partner
• Account manager of key systems: Domo, Qualtrix, etc
• Franchise partners

Skill Requirements

• Familiarity with the QSR landscape and operational dynamics in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is highly desirable, given the strategic importance of key franchisees in the region. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex processes and drive compliance across a multi-franchise / market system. 
• Strong understanding of restaurant technology, equipment, and capex planning, with an enthusiasm for innovation. 
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously. 
• Analytical mindset with experience in interpreting and explaining performance data and metrics. 
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with franchisees, internal teams, and global counterparts. 
• Ability to assess and prioritize competing stakeholder goals, comfortable with ambiguity.  
• Ability to travel frequently (at peak up to 30% of the time) 
• Fluent in English (written and spoken) is essential
• Proficiency in at least one other major language from the CEE region (e.g. Polish, Romanian, Czech) is advantageous