Regional FSQA Lead

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

Define and lead Africa FSQA strategy aligned to global standards, ESG, and brand priorities; Plan FSQA requirements for new market entry and ensure execution readiness; Own supplier approval, onboarding, and performance management across all categories; Lead crisis management, product recalls, and incident response across Africa; Coach and influence franchise markets to embed FSQA standards; Oversee third-party audits and ensure alignment to GFSI standards; Partner with Supply Chain, Operations, Development, and Global FSQA teams; Lead and develop a high-performing FSQA team across Africa; Drive end-to-end FSQA systems across suppliers, DCs, and restaurants; Deliver structured capability programs.

Requirements

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 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.

Nice to have

Advanced degree preferred; Experience in QSR advantageous; Experience working within franchise systems and diverse regulatory environments preferred.