At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global recognition initiatives and manage flagship award programs at McDonald's.
- Company: Join the iconic McDonald's brand, serving millions worldwide every day.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and community development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by enhancing employee recognition on a global scale.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in program management with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
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. As the global leader in the food service industry, our legacy of innovation and hard work continues to drive us.
Department Overview: McDonald'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 behaviours, 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 McDonald'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, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
Preferred:
- Experience in employee recognition, engagement, culture, rewards, or communications programs.
- Experience supporting global or franchise-based organizations.
- Familiarity with McDonald'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.
At McDonald's we are People from all Walks of Life... People are at the heart of everything we do, and they make the McDonald's 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 McDonald's or elsewhere.
Manager,Recognition in London employer: McDonald's
McDonald's is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusion, integrity, and community. As part of the Construction Department, you'll have the opportunity to lead impactful projects while benefiting from extensive employee growth opportunities and a commitment to continuous improvement. With a strong focus on diversity and a supportive environment, McDonald's empowers its employees to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of customers and communities across the UK and Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager,Recognition in London
✨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!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at McDonald's!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at McDonald's.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager,Recognition in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at McDonald's. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to McDonald's and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at McDonald's. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to McDonald's's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at McDonald's
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with McDonald's.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at McDonald's will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact McDonald's and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
