At a Glance
- Tasks: Support supplier governance and improve processes using data analysis and automation.
- Company: Join McDonald's, a leading employer with a vibrant culture since 1974.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work in a dynamic environment, and enjoy a supportive team.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and be part of a community-focused workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on restaurant performance while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Strong Excel skills and a passion for data analysis are essential.
About Us McDonald's has run its business in the UK since 1974 and currently operates over 1500 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, serving almost four million customers each day. McDonald's is one of the UK's largest private sector employers, employing over 170,000 people.
Department Overview This exciting opportunity seeks a commercially aware, analytical and proactive individual to join the Equipment & Service team within Supply Chain. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting supplier governance, commercial administration, financial controls, business reporting, data analysis and continuous improvement activities across a diverse portfolio of equipment and service suppliers. Working closely with internal stakeholders and supplier partners, the role will help ensure robust commercial governance, accurate reporting, effective supplier management and the successful delivery of initiatives that improve operational efficiency and support restaurant performance.
The role combines strong analytical capability with a passion for improving processes, using data to generate business insight and reducing administration through automation and smarter ways of working.
What team will I be a part of? The Equipment & Service team sits within Supply Chain and supports the equipment, maintenance and service supplier landscape used by McDonald's restaurants across the UK & Ireland. The team works closely with supplier partners, Franchisees, Operations, Technology, Finance and wider Supply Chain colleagues to support reliable equipment, effective services, strong commercial governance and value for the system. Through supplier management, data-led decision making and continuous improvement, the team helps restaurants operate effectively while supporting longer-term business priorities.
Duties:
- Commercial Governance & Financial Control Support the administration of supplier payment, invoice approval and recharge processes across multiple supplier portfolios. Verify supplier charges and invoices to support contractual compliance, financial accuracy and effective cost control. Support financial reconciliations and investigate discrepancies, working with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues. Maintain commercial trackers, governance records, supplier databases and financial documentation accurately and consistently. Assist with budget management, expenditure tracking, cost reporting, audits and established governance controls. Maintain pricing schedules, contract information and other commercial documentation.
- Data Analysis & Business Reporting Produce and maintain regular performance reports, dashboards and management information for Equipment & Service stakeholders. Analyse operational, supplier, financial and restaurant data to identify trends, risks, exceptions and improvement opportunities. Extract, cleanse, combine and validate data from multiple sources, maintaining strong data quality and clear audit trails. Develop reporting solutions that improve visibility of supplier performance, commercial outcomes and operational delivery. Provide ad-hoc analysis and data-led recommendations to support supplier reviews, business cases, negotiations and strategic initiatives. Translate complex data into clear, practical and actionable insight for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Process Improvement & Automation Identify opportunities to simplify, standardise and strengthen existing processes, controls and reporting activities. Lead or support continuous improvement projects across Equipment & Service activities. Develop and maintain process maps, workflows, procedures and supporting business documentation. Automate appropriate manual tasks and reporting processes using available business tools and technologies. Work with stakeholders to improve process efficiency, data quality and governance compliance. Monitor the effectiveness of implemented improvements and communicate the resulting business benefits. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision making.
- Supplier & Operational Support Support supplier governance and performance management activities, including reviews, scorecards and improvement plans. Assist with supplier benchmarking, pricing updates, contract administration and commercial documentation. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to resolve queries, improve service delivery and support restaurants. Support wider Supply Chain and Equipment & Service projects, sourcing activities and strategic initiatives as required.
- Stakeholder Engagement Build effective working relationships across Supply Chain, Finance, Accounts, Operations, Technology, Franchising and supplier organisations. Provide timely, accurate and professional responses to commercial, financial, data and process-related queries. Communicate findings, risks and recommendations clearly, adapting the level of detail to the audience. Contribute positively to cross-functional projects and the wider priorities of Equipment & Service.
Qualifications:
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including PivotTables, lookups, complex formulas, data validation and data analysis techniques.
- Experience with Power Query, data modelling or similar tools for preparing and combining datasets is desirable.
- Strong PowerPoint, written reporting and presentation skills.
- Experience using Power BI or a similar reporting and visualisation platform is desirable.
- Experience working with large datasets and information drawn from multiple systems.
- Experience with collaboration and workflow platforms such as Teams, SharePoint and Smartsheet.
- Knowledge of Power Automate, Power Apps, VBA, SQL, Python or comparable automation and analytics tools would be advantageous.
At McDonald's, we are People from all Walks of Life... Company Vision and Culture Our Global vision is to build a better McDonald's and in the UK and Ireland we are working hard to be the UK & Ireland's best-loved restaurant company. McDonald's is defined by its culture. Our culture shapes and informs everything we think and everything we do. Our culture influences the way we interact with each other, and how we interact with customers, franchisees and suppliers. Our culture motivates and inspires us to attract and retain great talent, creating positive, energising, exceptional working environment for us all. Our values drive our culture and shape our beliefs, our priorities and our actions. They influence the decisions we make, how we treat one another and how we show up as a brand to the world.
- Serve: We put our customers and our people first
- Inclusion: We open our doors to everyone
- Integrity: We do the right thing
- Community: We are good neighbours
- Family: We get better together
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.
Support, Equipment(FTE - 9 Months) employer: McDonald's
McDonald’s in Newcastle upon Tyne is an excellent employer that values its team members by fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture. Employees benefit from flexible hours, opportunities for career advancement, and comprehensive training programs, all while being part of a vibrant community that prioritises customer satisfaction and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support, Equipment(FTE - 9 Months)
✨Tap into Temp Agency Networks
If you're eyeing a temporary role in supply chain operations, temp agencies can be your best pals. They often have exclusive contracts with companies like McDonald's that might not be posted publicly. Get registered with a few reputable agencies and stay in touch—they might just have the perfect gig for you!
✨Make Your Skills Shine
In the world of supply chain operations, showcasing your relevant skills can set you apart in a heartbeat. Try to highlight your experience with logistics software or inventory management techniques when chatting with potential employers. Offer specific examples of how you’ve streamlined operations in the past; it’s all about making that connection!
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Getting out there in the community isn’t just for full-time roles! Attend local supply chain meetups and networking events, as they can lead to temporary job opportunities. Plus, you never know—someone in the room could know about an immediate opening at McDonald's or have tips on where to look.
✨Be Agile and Available
For temporary positions, having flexibility can make you much more desirable to employers. Keep your schedule open and be ready to jump into assignments at short notice. If you can show that you’re adaptable, companies like McDonald's will notice and might keep you in mind for future temporary opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Support, Equipment(FTE - 9 Months)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Supply Chain Knowledge:Make sure you showcase any relevant coursework or experience in supply chain management in your CV. If you've worked with inventory management systems, logistics planning, or demand forecasting, include specific examples to demonstrate your skills—this is key in supply chain operations!
Certifications Can Make a Difference:If you've got any certifications related to supply chain operations, like APICS or Six Sigma, splash them in your CV! They can really help you stand out. Temporary roles often look for candidates who can hit the ground running, so proving you’ve got that extra knowledge is a big plus.
Emphasise Flexibility in Your Application:Since this is a temporary role, it's super important to highlight your flexibility and readiness to adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your ability to learn quickly and your willingness to take on diverse tasks—this shows that you're the right fit for a dynamic supply chain environment.
Make Your CV Concise and Relevant:Keep your CV tight and relevant, focusing on the most important past experiences that relate directly to supply chain operations. Avoid filler and concentrate on the skills and experiences that will impress McDonald's and relate to the temporary nature of the role. Let's get you that interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at McDonald's
✨Know Your Supply Chain Tools
Brush up on the specific tools and software commonly used in supply chain operations, like SAP or Oracle. Make sure to highlight your familiarity with these during the interview at McDonald's, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
In a temporary role, they’ll want to see how quickly you can adapt and solve problems. Prepare for scenario-based questions that may ask how you’d handle disruptions like delays or inventory shortages. Think of real examples from your past experiences to share!
✨Flexibility is Key
As this is a temporary position, emphasise your willingness to be flexible. Talk about how you’ve quickly adapted to changes in previous roles or how you’re able to step in and learn new processes swiftly, especially those unique to McDonald's.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Temporary roles often require quick integration into teams. Be ready to discuss your communication style and how you work collaboratively. You might face questions about working with cross-functional teams, so think about how you can highlight your teamwork skills.
