At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the strategy for food safety, quality assurance, and sustainable agriculture across the UK&I.
- Company: Join McDonald's, a global leader in the food industry with a commitment to quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food safety and sustainability while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in food safety and quality assurance required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
The Head of Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Nutrition & Sustainable Agriculture (QFSN & SA) is accountable for setting and delivering the end‐to‐end UK&I strategy for product quality, food safety, legality, nutritional compliance and sustainable agriculture, from farm through to restaurant.
The role holds ultimate accountability for ensuring that all products supplied to McDonald's UK & Ireland meet the highest standards of safety, quality, legality and nutritional compliance, protecting customers, franchisees, and the brand. It owns assurance frameworks across the entire supply chain and restaurant estate, ensuring robust governance, proactive risk management and consistent execution.
In addition, the role provides strategic leadership for sustainable agriculture and responsible sourcing, ensuring alignment with global sustainability priorities and the UK&I Plan for Change commitments. It drives continuous improvement in animal health and welfare, environmental performance and farming practices, while maintaining strong alignment with food safety, quality and product integrity requirements.
Operating as a senior functional leader within the UK&I Supply Chain Leadership Team, the role ensures that QFSN and Sustainable Agriculture collectively act as a source of competitive advantage, enabling safe, compliant and sustainable growth, strengthening brand trust and supporting innovation.
The role leads a multi‐disciplinary function and works in close partnership with global teams, franchisees, suppliers, farmers, regulators and NGOs to embed a strong food safety and quality culture, effective governance and continuous improvement from farm to fork to restaurant.
Team
- A senior manager within the UK&I Supply Chain Leadership Team, partnering with peers across sourcing, logistics, strategy and sustainability.
- Leads the Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Nutrition & Sustainable Agriculture function, responsible for farm, supplier and restaurant assurance.
- Works in close collaboration with Global SC counterparts and teams to ensure alignment and consistency.
Duties
- Set and deliver the UK&I strategy for Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Product Legality, Nutrition and Sustainable Agriculture, aligned to global standards, Plan for Change commitments and local legislation.
- Lead the QFSN & Sustainable Agriculture function as a cohesive, enterprise‐level department, setting clear direction, priorities, governance and standards.
- Hold ultimate accountability for product quality, food safety, legality and nutritional compliance across the supply chain and restaurant estate.
- Provide senior leadership during incidents, crises, product withdrawals and recalls, representing the business credibly and ensuring timely, proportionate and well‐governed decisions.
- Define and govern assurance frameworks across farms, suppliers and restaurants, embedding a strong culture of food safety, quality and sustainability across the supply chain.
- Lead delivery of sustainable agriculture and responsible sourcing priorities, including animal health and welfare, environmental performance and farming practices, ensuring alignment with food safety and quality objectives.
- Influence Executive‐level decision‐making and act as the senior UK&I representative externally, engaging with regulators, industry bodies, NGOs, franchisees and Global teams to protect brand trust and reputation.
- Build long‐term functional capability by leading, developing and succession‐planning a high‐performing, multi‐disciplinary leadership team, role‐modelling calm, inclusive and decisive leadership.
- Participate in the on‐call rota for the leadership team to ensure continuity of operations during weekends and holidays.
Qualifications
- Proven director level senior leadership experience in food safety, quality assurance or technical roles within complex, high‐risk food environments.
- Demonstrated ability to set strategy and lead large, multi‐disciplinary teams through ambiguity and change.
- Strong experience of incident leadership, risk management and regulatory engagement.
- Ability to influence at Executive level and across a broad stakeholder landscape.
- Experience embedding governance, data‐led decision‐making and continuous improvement at scale.
- Degree in Food Science or equivalent experience; advanced HACCP and food safety credentials expected.
Head of Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Nutrition and Sustainability (Interim 12 months fix term) in London employer: McDonald's Corporation
McDonald's UK & Ireland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises quality, safety, and sustainability in the food industry. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture of collaboration, team members are empowered to drive meaningful change while enjoying competitive benefits and opportunities for growth. Located in a vibrant sector, this role not only contributes to the brand's integrity but also supports innovative practices that align with global sustainability goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Nutrition and Sustainability (Interim 12 months fix term) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We want to see how you align with their mission, especially in areas like food safety and sustainability. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. We love hearing about your past experiences, so structure your answers to highlight your skills in quality assurance and leadership effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Nutrition and Sustainability (Interim 12 months fix term) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Quality Assurance role. Highlight your experience in food safety, quality assurance, and leadership in complex environments. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at McDonald's UK & Ireland.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about food safety and sustainability. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through challenges and made a positive impact in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior leader, we need to see your ability to influence and lead multi-disciplinary teams. In your application, mention instances where you've successfully managed crises or implemented governance frameworks. This will show us you're ready for the challenge!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our values and what we stand for at McDonald's.
How to prepare for a job interview at McDonald's Corporation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in food safety, quality assurance, and sustainable agriculture. Brush up on the latest regulations and standards relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the position.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams through challenges, especially in high-risk environments. Highlight your experience in incident management and how you’ve influenced decision-making at an executive level. This will demonstrate your capability to lead a multi-disciplinary function effectively.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with McDonald's UK & Ireland's sustainability commitments and their Plan for Change. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals, particularly in terms of responsible sourcing and environmental performance. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the industry. Inquire about the current challenges they face in quality assurance or how they measure success in sustainable agriculture. This not only shows your interest but also your strategic thinking.
