Director, Restaurant Design
Date: Dec 8, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60607
Company: McDonald's Corporation
Company Description:
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 Charities 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
McDonald’s is transforming the way millions experience our brand. As Director of Restaurant Design, you will lead the development of design standards and brand review processes that shape the future of our U.S. restaurants. This is a strategic leadership role with direct influence on customer experience, operational efficiency, and brand identity across thousands of locations.
You’ll collaborate with global design teams, U.S. Operations, and cross-functional partners to deliver innovative, customer-centric environments that set the benchmark for modern quick-service dining.
This position reports directly to the Senior Director of Design and is part of the broader U.S. Restaurant Development leadership team.
Duties
What You’ll Do
- Lead Design Strategy: Define and evolve U.S. design standards for new builds and reinvestment programs, ensuring alignment with brand vision and operational excellence.
- Drive Innovation: Pilot and implement market-specific design solutions that enhance customer experience and operational flow.
- Collaborate Globally: Partner with Global Design and key stakeholders to modernize restaurant environments and integrate global best practices.
- Influence Customer Journey: Integrate a comprehensive customer experience into all aspects of restaurant design—from site planning to dining rooms and back-of-house.
- Manage Resources: Oversee budget and resource allocation for major design projects, ensuring efficiency and impact.
- Lead Teams: Inspire and guide multiple teams within U.S. Restaurant Design, fostering creativity, accountability, and results.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Architecture or Interior Design; licensed Engineer or Architect preferred.
- Proven Design Leadership: Experience leading large-scale design initiatives in retail, hospitality, or quick-service environments.
- Strategic Thinker: Ability to set short- and long-term design strategies that align with business goals.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in influencing and collaborating across multiple functions and levels.
- Technical Expertise: Degree in Architecture, Design, or Construction Management preferred.
- Business Acumen: Strong understanding of budget management and resource planning.
- Innovation Mindset: Passion for modernizing customer experiences through design.
Compensation
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Salary Range
The expected salary range for this role is $178,121.00 - $222,651.00 per year
The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience, and other job-related factors.
Competencies
Additional Information:
Benefits eligible: 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: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.
Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term incentive plan.
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 mcdhrbenefits@us.mcd.com. 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.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago