Analyst, Food Safety and Quality

Overview

KFC Latin America & Caribbean is seeking a Food Safety & Quality Analyst to lead the regional Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) agenda by ensuring the highest standards of product safety for consumers. This role drives long term FSQ strategy through continuous improvement of KFC products sourced from regional food and packaging suppliers, distributors, and restaurant operations.

You will support the evolution of food safety and quality management systems, proactively identify and mitigate risks to consumer health, ensure legal and brand-standard compliance, and advance visibility of FSQ priorities across all relevant stakeholders—including franchisees, suppliers, and audit partners.

The position is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and requires approximately 40% travel, including both international and domestic travel.

• Supplier Approval & Compliance
  • Maintain and strengthen 100% supplier compliance and performance with Yum! FSQA programs.
  • Ensure franchise partners and suppliers follow approved practices aligned with brand standards.
  • Provide coaching and training on FSQ topics when required.
• Market & Vendor Support
  • Support markets in maintaining the highest levels of food safety and quality across all vendors and strategic partners.
  • Ensure underperforming suppliers are reaudited within required timelines, and that corrective action plans are implemented.
  • Coordinate audits and local QA evaluations with franchise partners’ suppliers and/or Yum!-certified audit partners.
• Risk Assessment & Continuous Improvement
  • Conduct supplier risk assessments based on FSQA program requirements, guidelines, and audit performance.
  • Define, track, and follow through, on action plans that drive quality improvement and standardization across suppliers.
  • Collaborate with Yum! functions and franchise partners to promote continuous improvement in food safety.
• Program Management & Specifications
  • Implement FSQA programs and develop specific processes as needed.
  • Create, update, and maintain all core product specifications for Yum! products, ensuring accuracy and brand compliance.
  • Maintain the True View Supplier Management system in partnership with local QA managers, ensuring that product specs and QAPs are current.
• Product Development & Safety
  • Provide food safety guidance for new product development and new menu introductions.
  • Ensure restaurant procedures for new ingredients or products meet required safety standards.
• Data Analysis & KPI Management
  • Review market KPI and cutting reports, ensuring corrective actions are applied when risks or gaps are identified.
  • Analyze FSQ data, identify trends, and work with suppliers to resolve risks or nonconformities.
• Operational & Technical Support
  • Support Operations teams in implementing food safety initiatives at the restaurant level.
  • Act as the primary liaison for resolving supplier-related quality issues or technical inquiries.
  • Address food safety design risks and update procedures or specifications as needed.
• Additional Duties
  • Lead or support crisis management activities as required.
  • Perform additional tasks and adhoc projects to support regional FSQ needs.

• Bachelor’s degree with specialization in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in the food industry, including food safety, QA or related field.
• Experience with food manufacturing including an overall understanding of production facilities, quality improvement methods and product development requirements. Experience in poultry science preferred.
• Certification in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and internal auditor.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to multi-task several priorities.
• Proven ability to problem solving on tactical levels, reach sound conclusions, and take appropriate actions independently.
• Demonstrated capacity to work with minimal supervision and in a team environment.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet strict deadlines.
• Solid organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and influencing skills. Ability to communicate at different levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Spanish language written and spoken required, Portuguese a plus.

Salary Range: $89,300 to $131,870 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we ll consider the successful candidate’s location, experience, and other job-related factors.