📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, Brand Communications - Reputation
🔹 Company: McDonald's Corporation
🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: April 11, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the vision, strategy, and execution of McDonald's Employer Reputation platform
- Developing and executing brand actions and communications campaigns to achieve reputation goals
- Managing cross-functional teams and agency partners to drive creative, culture-driving, and buzz-worthy campaigns
- Representing Brand Communications and the employer reputation strategy at key convenings
- Coaching and developing one direct report
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams to achieve collective reputation goals.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the vision, strategy, and execution of McDonald's Employer Reputation platform (currently known as "1 in 8")
✅ Develop and execute multiple brand actions and communications campaigns within the employer reputation platform that achieve North America Impact priorities
✅ Lead cross-functional team of managers/supervisors across marketing, people, operations, strategy, impact, and Ronald McDonald House Charities to achieve collective reputation goals
✅ Lead major external campaign elements and activations that are credible, culture-driving, buzz-worthy, and uniquely McDonald's
✅ Manage agency partners, driving collaboration, prioritization, and insights-driven, bold creative ideas
✅ Represent Brand Communications and the employer reputation strategy through presentations at key convenings and support of the Brand Reputation Operator committee
✅ Develop one direct report, coaching them through campaign execution and helping them advance their professional development goals
✅ Partner closely with agencies and Insights team to manage and measure audiences as well as awareness, persuasion, and trust metrics to ensure strategies are moving the needle
✅ Responsible for budget management and resource allocation across Employer Reputation paid campaigns and earned actions
✅ Complete all routine administrative functions (e.g., expense reports, budgets, etc.) in an accurate and timely fashion
✅ Some travel may be required, domestic and international
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of collaboration, stakeholder management, and campaign execution across multiple channels and audiences.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 8+ years of experience in a brand/consumer communications role, either in-house or at an agency
Required Skills:
- Relevant communications expertise that includes external (stakeholder, influencer, consumer, earned media, paid media) and multicultural experience
- Strong understanding of diverse cultural audiences and leveraging key cultural insights to drive communications strategies
- Strong ability to lead working teams and agency partners
- Agile and resilient to drive outcomes and operate in the grey
- Natural storyteller with excellent written and oral communications skills, including an ability to convey complex issues in a clear and concise manner to a variety of audiences
- Self-starter with strong sense of initiative, focused on results; ability to manage multiple, simultaneous projects and, at times, within ambiguous and undefined circumstances
- Strong advisory skills with the ability to offer credible advice to senior leaders
- Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, while being flexible, collaborative, and deadline-driven
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with a global brand
- Fluency in multiple languages
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in brand communications, with a proven track record of leading successful campaigns and managing cross-functional teams.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $129,800 - $165,490 per year
Benefits:
- Health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) plan
- Adoption assistance program
- Educational assistance program
- Flexible ways of working
- Time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO)
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with some flexibility for project demands
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior manager role in marketing and communications within the Chicago area.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: McDonald's operates in the fast food restaurant industry, with a focus on providing quality, affordable food to customers worldwide. The company is known for its iconic brand and extensive global presence.
Company Size: McDonald's Corporation has over 10,000 employees, making it a large organization with significant resources and opportunities for career growth.
Founded: McDonald's was founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald, with the first restaurant opening in San Bernardino, California.
Company Description:
- McDonald's is the world's leading global foodservice retailer, with over 37,000 locations in over 100 countries
- More than 90% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local business men and women
- The company serves a wide range of popular foods, including World Famous Fries, Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, and Egg McMuffin
Company Specialties:
- Restaurant operations
- Sustainability
- Foodservice
- Franchising
- Operations
- Real estate
- Supply chain
- Communications
- Human resources
- Finance
- IT
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Investor relations
- Charities
- RMHC
- Diversity
- CSR
- Legal
- Insurance
Company Website: https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/
ASSUMPTION: McDonald's is a well-established company with a strong brand and extensive global presence. The company offers a wide range of career opportunities and benefits to its employees.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior management position, reporting directly to the Director of Brand Communications. It offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the company's reputation.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager, Brand Communications - Reputation will report directly to the Director of Brand Communications and work closely with cross-functional teams across marketing, people, operations, strategy, impact, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with some flexibility for remote work as needed. The position may require occasional domestic and international travel.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a director or vice president role within the brand communications team
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and initiatives that impact the company's global reputation
- Chance to develop and mentor junior team members, contributing to the growth and success of the broader communications team
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the brand communications team and the broader organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters
Office Location(s): 110 N Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is a major city in the Midwest region of the United States, known for its diverse culture, vibrant arts scene, and world-class dining options
- The city has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters
- Chicago is home to a diverse range of industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology
Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for project demands and occasional travel.
ASSUMPTION: Chicago offers a dynamic and vibrant work environment, with a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR team
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and cross-functional team members
- Final interview with the Director of Brand Communications
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and presentation style
- Campaign strategy and execution
- Leadership and team management skills
- Cultural competency and understanding of diverse audiences
- Problem-solving and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of successful brand communications campaigns you've led or contributed to
- Research McDonald's brand and recent communications initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of the company's reputation efforts
ATS Keywords: Brand Communications, Reputation Management, Campaign Strategy, Team Leadership, Cross-Functional Teams, Agency Management, Cultural Insights, Multicultural Communications, Storytelling, Written Communication, Oral Communication, Project Management, Advisory Skills, Collaboration, Budget Management, A/B Testing, Consumer Research, Stakeholder Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on communication skills, campaign strategy, and leadership abilities.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Campaign management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as the Senior Manager will be responsible for managing campaigns and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Serve. Be inclusive. Empower. Work together. Win together.
- McDonald's is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
- The company values collaboration, innovation, and a customer-focused approach to business.
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on results and continuous improvement
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration
- Data-driven and analytical, with a focus on measuring and optimizing campaign performance
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with McDonald's values, particularly in the areas of inclusivity and empowerment?
- How do you approach working with diverse cultural audiences, and what examples can you provide of successful multicultural communications campaigns?
- How do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment, and what strategies do you use to manage multiple projects and priorities?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates for this role will demonstrate a strong cultural fit with McDonald's values and work style, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Balancing the needs and perspectives of diverse stakeholders, including employees, customers, and external partners
- Adapting to changes in the company's reputation strategy and external communications landscape
- Navigating a large, complex organization with multiple layers of management and decision-making
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to a senior management role in a large, global organization, and successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to thrive in dynamic, complex environments.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other senior communications roles, this position places a greater emphasis on reputation management and employer branding
- Unlike some communications roles, this position requires a strong understanding of multicultural audiences and the ability to leverage cultural insights to drive communications strategies
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in brand communications, corporate communications, or public relations, depending on the individual's skills and interests
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar communications roles, with a particular focus on reputation management and multicultural communications.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a global campaign to celebrate McDonald's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Managing a cross-functional team to create and launch a new employee advocacy platform, showcasing the benefits of working at McDonald's
- Partnering with external agencies to create and execute a targeted influencer marketing campaign, highlighting McDonald's commitment to sustainability and community involvement
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities available in this role, from strategic planning and execution to cross-functional team management and external agency collaboration.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the broader brand communications team and the company's overall reputation strategy?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role, and how can I best support the team's goals during this transition period?
- How does McDonald's approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its communications and hiring practices, and what opportunities are there for me to contribute to these efforts?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured over time?
- How does McDonald's support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the brand communications team?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company's culture, as well as to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a particular focus on brand communications, campaign strategy, and leadership abilities
- Prepare examples of successful brand communications campaigns you've led or contributed to, demonstrating your ability to drive results and manage cross-functional teams
- Research McDonald's brand and recent communications initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of the company's reputation efforts and your ideas for contributing to their success
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
