Manager, Recognition

Manager, Recognition

Full-Time 49500 - 60500 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global recognition initiatives and manage flagship award programs at McDonald's.
  • Company: Join McDonald's, a global leader in the food service industry with a commitment to innovation.
  • Benefits: Diverse and inclusive culture, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
  • Other info: Be part of a team that values diversity and community engagement.
  • Why this job: Shape recognition strategies that celebrate achievements and enhance employee experiences worldwide.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in program management or employee recognition, strong communication and project management skills.

The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.

Company Description

Mc Donald’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.

As the global leader in the food service industry, our legacy of innovation and hard work continues to drive us.

From drive thru updates to delivery to mobile order and pay, we are innovating quickly and growing.

Joining Mc Donald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world.

Department Overview

Mc Donald's is evolving its global recognition strategy to support the NEXT strategy by creating a more aligned, consistent, and impactful approach to recognition across the System.

As Manager, Recognition, you will play a critical role in project managing and operationalizing key global recognition initiatives that reinforce the behaviors, performance, and experiences that bring NEXT to life.

You will lead the end-to-end delivery of the NEXT Restaurant Team Award as the flagship global recognition program while also supporting the ongoing management and evolution of enterprise-wide recognition initiatives, including SHINE and other global award programs.

Working across Global People, Operations, Impact, Communications, and market stakeholders, you will help ensure recognition programs are strategically aligned, effectively governed, and consistently executed across the System.

This includes driving adoption of global recognition programs, identifying opportunities to simplify the recognition landscape, and supporting the transition away from local recognition initiatives where appropriate to create a more cohesive global approach.

This role combines program management, stakeholder engagement, governance, communications, change management, and recognition strategy.

Success in this role requires the ability to manage multiple recognition initiatives simultaneously while balancing strategic priorities with operational excellence.

What team will I be part of?

You will sit within the Global Total Rewards team and report to the Sr.

Manager, Recognition & Wellbeing.

You will work closely with key internal stakeholders and external vendors to build and sustain a world-class recognition experience at Mc Donald’s.

Duties

  • Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of global recognition initiatives that support the NEXT strategy, ensuring programs are delivered consistently and effectively across the System.
  • Manage the end-to-end delivery of the NEXT Restaurant Team Award as a flagship global recognition program, overseeing all program milestones, timelines, dependencies, budgets, governance activities, and stakeholder communications.
  • Support the execution and operational management of enterprise recognition initiatives, including SHINE and other existing global award programs.
  • Partner with Global People, Operations, Impact, Communications, market stakeholders, and external partners to drive alignment, readiness, and successful program delivery.
  • Develop and maintain integrated project plans, implementation roadmaps, governance processes, and delivery schedules across multiple recognition initiatives.
  • Monitor risks, dependencies, and issues, escalating and resolving challenges to ensure successful program outcomes.
  • Support market adoption of global recognition programs through implementation resources, communications, training, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Contribute to efforts to align and streamline recognition programs across the System, supporting greater adoption of global recognition solutions.
  • Provide regular status reporting, updates, insights, and recommendations to leadership and governance groups.

Qualifications

  • Required
  • 5+ years of experience in program management, employee recognition, employee experience, communications, or related disciplines.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex global initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage timelines, budgets, risks, and dependencies.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management skills with experience influencing across functions and geographies.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Experience managing vendors, agencies, or external partners.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft 365 including Teams, Excel, Share Point, and Power Point.
  • Preferred
  • Experience in employee recognition, engagement, culture, rewards, or communications programs.
  • Experience supporting global or franchise-based organizations.
  • Familiarity with Mc Donald's restaurant operations and market structure.
  • Experience launching new programs or initiatives at scale.
  • Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile, or equivalent).
  • Experience managing recognition technology platforms, nomination systems, or employee engagement tools.
  • Additional information

At Mc Donalds we are People from all Walks of Life...

People are at the heart of everything we do , and they make the Mc Donalds experience.

We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture that means people can be their best authentic self in our restaurants and offices, which helps us to better serve our customers.

We have a strong heritage of diversity and representation within our communities, which we are proud of.

The diversity of our people, customers, Franchisees, and suppliers gives us strength.

We do not tolerate inequality, injustice, or discrimination of any kind.

These are hugely important issues and a brand with our reach and relevance means we have a very meaningful role to play.

We also recognise our responsibility as a large employer to continue being active in our communities, helping to develop skills and drive aspirations that will help people to be more aware of the world of work and more successful within it, whether with Mc Donalds or elsewhere.

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Manager, Recognition employer: McDonald's Corporation

McDonald's is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and community engagement. With a commitment to employee growth and development, the Equipment & Service team provides opportunities for continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making, all while supporting the operational efficiency of over 1500 restaurants across the UK and Ireland. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values integrity and collaboration, ensuring that every employee can thrive in their role and contribute to our mission of being the best-loved restaurant company.

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Contact Details:

McDonald's Corporation Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Manager, Recognition

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

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We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Recognition

Communication Skills
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Teamwork
Flexibility
Organizational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

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How to prepare for a job interview at McDonald's Corporation

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

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