Sr Director, Sustainability

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Date: Jun 5, 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

The Senior Director will lead the development and execution of the company’s global sustainability efforts and  ESG reporting strategy. This role drives environmental stewardship initiatives such as climate, renewable energy, solar, and packaging/recycling while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, advancing voluntary reporting initiatives, and delivers clear ESG communications to stakeholders. Responsibilities include overseeing reporting frameworks, timelines, readiness processes, and gap closure strategies. The Senior Director will collaborate across markets and functions to achieve measurable environmental outcomes and strengthen ESG governance practices.

Candidates should have 15+ years of experience in relevant fields. This includes experience in corporate sustainability, environmental management, ESG reporting , financial reporting or related areas. A strong focus on governance, regulatory compliance, climate, renewable energy, solar, and packaging/recycling is essential.

Responsibilities

  • Global Strategy and Framework Development: Implement a comprehensive global strategy to address key environmental priorities and establish science-based targets
  • Local Market Enablement and Collaboration: Partner with segment/market teams to adapt global strategies to local contexts
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy: Engage with internal and external stakeholders to integrate environmental priorities into business strategies and practices
  • Measurement and Reporting: Establish metrics to measure the impact of social responsibility initiatives and provide transparent updates on progress
  • Leadership and Advocacy: Serve as an internal advocate for social responsibility, managing and mentoring a team of professionals
  • ESG Reporting Strategy and Frameworks: Develop and manage ESG reporting frameworks, ensuring alignment with global standards (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD). Oversee mandatory and voluntary ESG reporting initiatives, ensuring accuracy and transparency
  • Investor Communications and Reporting: Serve as a key point of contact for ESG-related inquiries from investors. Collaborate with investor relations, legal, and corporate communications teams to align messaging and disclosures
  • Process Development and Reporting Readiness: Establish and refine ESG reporting processes, ensuring the organization is audit-ready for ESG disclosures
  • Project Management and Timelines: Oversee project timelines for ESG reporting, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely and accurate reporting
  • Governance and Risk Management: Develop governance structures to support ESG reporting and monitor regulatory developments

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree in sustainability, finance, business, environmental science, or a related field is preferred
  • Exceptional analytical and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience engaging with investors and senior leadership
  • Proven experience in developing and implementing global strategies and frameworks
  • Excellent communication skills, with experience in public speaking and external advocacy
  • Strong understanding of environmental science, regulatory trends, and best practices
  • In-depth knowledge of ESG frameworks, standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., GRI, SASB, TCFD, CSRD)
  • Proven track record of managing complex ESG reporting projects and processes within a global organization
  • Strong analytical skills and experience using data to inform decision-making and evaluate program success

Compensation

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Long - Term Incentive: Yes

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Salary Range

Salary Ranges-$193,610 - $251,690 

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