A Leader in Food Retail, Ready for Growth
Restaurant Brands New Zealand is a leader in the multi-site quick service restaurant industry, operating iconic brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Carl’s Jr.
With a strong local presence Restaurant Brands is focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences and staying ahead of operational challenges as they expand.
Scaling complexity and the Need for Expert Project Management
As their operations grew, Restaurant Brands faced complex programs and projects. The first was the implementation of a new Customer Satisfaction Survey for KFC New Zealand, driven by KFC’s Global Head Office. This program required the management of multiple stakeholders, including vendors, consultants, and internal teams, to ensure seamless execution.
The second was a Technology Unification Project, spanning four different geographic regions. This project involved developing unified technology policies that complied with local regulations and aligned with Restaurant Brands’ operational goals. Both projects demanded precise project management and a partner capable of integrating with their internal teams.
Alxemy & Restaurant Brands At a Glance...
1. Two Ambitious Projects – Alxemy was brought in to manage a KFC Customer Satisfaction Survey and a multi-region Technology Unification Project for Restaurant Brands.
2. Precision for KFC – Both projects demanded technical expertise, stakeholder coordination, and regional compliance.
3. Embedded Expertise – Alxemy integrated seamlessly into the Restaurant Brands team, offering strategic project leadership and communication.
4. Leadership in Action – Cel Medes and Tariro Sibanda led each project respectively, ensuring smooth delivery across teams, vendors, and time zones.
5. Proven Results – Both projects were delivered on time and within budget, earning praise from both local and global stakeholders.
“We knew we needed a partner who could manage the complexity and become an extension of our own team,” said the Restaurant Brands Program Sponsor/CIO. “That’s where Alxemy came in.”
Why Alxemy Was the Perfect Fit
Restaurant Brands sought a project management partner with both technical expertise and the ability to seamlessly integrate with their team and culture. After careful consideration, they selected Alxemy. With a proven track record of handling complex, multi-region projects, and a reputation for flexibility and adaptability, Alxemy was the clear choice.
“KFC Global needed assurance that this project would be handled with care and precision, and it was clear that their leadership and experience were exactly what we needed,” shared the KFC Global Project Sponsor.
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Restaurant Brands Program Sponsor/CIO Managing Complexity with Precision
Alxemy took the reins of both projects with their hallmark precision and tailored project management approach. For the Customer Satisfaction Survey, Cel Medes, Director of Operations and PMO at Alxemy, led the project from start to finish. Her focus was on coordinating the many moving parts – vendors, internal teams, and external consultants – ensuring smooth communication and alignment.
“Every project comes with its own set of challenges, but this one required a deep understanding of both technical systems and stakeholder management,” Cel explained. “We worked closely with the business leads to ensure that testing and system integration went smoothly, and that the project stayed on track.”
On the Technology Unification Project, Tariro Sibanda, Project Service Delivery Manager at Alxemy, stepped up to lead the initiative. This project required managing teams across four regions with different time zones, local regulations, and operational requirements.
“One of the biggest challenges was aligning technology policies that complied with varying local laws while ensuring they were operationally efficient for Restaurant Brands,” Tariro said.
Alxemy’s collaborative approach helped simplify the complexities, ensuring seamless execution and delivery within the agreed timelines and budgets.
“Managing a geographically dispersed team added another layer of complexity, but with the right planning and communication, we were able to keep everyone on the same page.”
Seamless Execution and Tangible Outcomes
Both projects were delivered on time, within budget, and with remarkable success. The Customer Satisfaction Survey provided valuable insights to KFC New Zealand, shaping their customer engagement strategies moving forward.
The Technology Unification Project allowed Restaurant Brands to standardise their operations across multiple regions, making their infrastructure more scalable and compliant with local legislation.
“KFC Global praised Alxemy’s ability to integrate with our team and lead with both heart and strategy,” said the Global Project Sponsor. “Cel didn’t just manage the project – she became an integral part of our team.”
Tariro’s leadership in the Technology Unification Project was equally impactful. “Thanks to Tariro, we navigated the complexity of working across time zones and local regulations with ease,” said Restaurant Brand’s Program Sponsor/CIO..
“Alxemy’s ability to adapt to our culture and their strategic oversight made all the difference in delivering this project successfully.”
Alxemy – A Partner in Growth and Success
Alxemy’s role in supporting Restaurant Brands through these complex initiatives has solidified their position as a trusted partner. With their ability to integrate seamlessly into existing teams, manage complexity with precision, and deliver impactful results, Alxemy is more than just a project management service – they are an essential component of Restaurant Brands’ continued success.
“We see Alxemy as more than just a partner; they’re part of our team, driving our business forward,” said Restaurant Brand’s Program Sponsor/CIO. “Their commitment to our success is unmatched.”
Key Takeaways
- Alxemy led both the KFC Customer Satisfaction Survey and the Technology Unification Project, bringing clarity and consistency across vastly different scopes.
- With multiple regions, regulations, and time zones in play, Alxemy delivered structured, coordinated project execution under pressure.
- Rather than acting as an outside agency, Alxemy became an extension of the Restaurant Brands team, adapting to their culture and workflows.
- Cel Medes and Tariro Sibanda each brought focused leadership, ensuring smooth delivery, stakeholder alignment, and timely results.
- The work resulted in scalable infrastructure, valuable customer insights, and stronger compliance processes across all operating regions.
- This partnership reinforced Alxemy’s role as more than a project vendor but as a strategic enabler of long-term success.
