Global Sustainability Sr. Manager, Circularity Lead

McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. We continue to operate from a position of strength. Our updated growth strategy is focused on staying ahead of what our customers want and realizing further growth potential. Our relentless ambition is why McDonald’s remains one of the world’s leading corporations after almost 70 years. Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world. At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer a broad range of outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements. Department Overview High-Level Job Summary This position will develop and implement McDonald’s global restaurants circularity strategy with a focus on packaging and waste systems driving measurable business value, regulatory readiness, and brand trust at global scale. It will lead strategic engagement and coordination of partnerships (internal and external), program management, and reporting. Accountabilities & Responsibilities Develop, carry out, and evolve McDonald’s global restaurant circularity strategy in partnership with markets and global functions (supply chain, finance, legal, development, government relations, marketing, operations etc.) and external partners. Translate ambition into clear business priorities, roadmaps, and execution models. Facilitate standard process sharing with and amongst country teams, accelerating proven solutions and supporting local deployment of restaurant circularity strategies. Develop and drive key initiatives regarding circularity, packaging, toys, & waste Manage packaging, toys, waste, circularity reporting and metrics (internal and external), in partnership with other relevant Global teams (e.g., supply chain). Provide subject matter expertise on materials choices, impacts, and trade‑offs Contribute to internal and external ESG communications, engagement, and reporting activities. Build and lead strong external partnerships with NGOs and consultants. Stay ahead of emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory shifts in circularity, recycling, and waste systems globally. Partner with Government Relations to inform and shape policy approaches that enable scalable, practical solutions. Qualifications Bachelor degree or equivalent experience required. Experience working in global decentralized organizations, leading change management campaigns, including strategy development and implementation. Deep knowledge of circularity principles, waste systems, packaging, and related materials in a retail environment. Experience with measurement and reporting on packaging and waste volumes while navigating complex networks of partners and suppliers. Experience navigating or engaging on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and related regulatory frameworks. Preferred Qualifications Experience related to finance, sustainability-related marketing, supply chain, packaging design for circularity, operations, and/or regulatory issues. Knowledge of circularity-related NGO landscape and global issues. Abilities & Approach Strategic systems thinker and excellent executor. Ability to shift between strategy and execution, staying focused on the desired end outcome. Strong communicator. Excellent writing capabilities and ability to succinctly update leadership. Strong oral communication and presentation skills, including in front of large audiences. Excellent project management and organizational skills with cross functional teams. Effectively run programs and projects; ensure timeliness and excellent deliverables. Prioritizes and balances multiple responsibilities. Leads and navigates change within ‘the grey,’ and in large, complex organizations. Effectively operates in fast-moving, ambiguous, and evolving environments with few precedents. Strong interpersonal skills, ability to influence without authority, and with empathy. Ability to quickly build strong working relationships with diverse partners in a decentralized and global environment. Positive and collaborative approach. Assumes good intent. Values intellectual rigor, feedback, and lifelong learning. Compensation The expected salary range for this role is $141,955.00 – $177,444.00 per year. Additional compensation may include bonus, long‑term incentive, and benefits as described below. Benefits This position offers health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, adoption assistance program, educational assistance program, flexible ways of working, and time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO). Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. Bonus eligible: Yes. Long‑Term Incentive eligible: Yes. Legal & EEO Statement McDonald’s is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel‑good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise feel you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis. McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment. Requisition ID: 3586 #J-18808-Ljbffr