Senior Manager, Communications / Impact Lead

Department Overview

The Impact Lead is a strategic and operational leader responsible for shaping and executing McDonald’s Impact agenda in Switzerland. This role integrates external communications, government relations, internal communications, franchisee engagement, and sustainability to protect and grow McDonald’s brand reputation, ensure regulatory readiness, and foster stakeholder trust. As a member of the Swiss Leadership Team, the Impact Lead contributes to business strategy, culture, and long-term growth.

Duties

Strategic Impact Planning

• Develop and implement a 1–3 year Impact strategy aligned with business priorities and global frameworks.
• Define KPIs and reporting mechanisms to measure progress and outcomes.

Team, Agency & Budget Management

• Lead the Impact team (2 direct reports + 1 joint reporting line) and manage agency partners.
• Build a strong talent pipeline and foster career development opportunities.

• Oversee the Impact function’s budget and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Reputation & External Communications

• Serve as the official spokesperson for McDonald’s in Switzerland.
• Lead media relations strategy – covering corporate communications and supporting Marketing with brand PR.

• Enhance brand reputation and trust through campaigns - leveraging earned, owned, paid and stakeholder engagement.
• Partner with the People function to enhance McDonald’s external employer image.
• Equip franchisees with the training/tools to support local PR and stakeholder engagement.

Internal Communications & Franchisee Engagement

• Develop the business narrative and align internal communications with strategic priorities to support a performance-driven culture.
• Lead enterprise internal communication strategy to drive engagement among employees and franchisees.

• Lead communication planning and events management for employee townhalls, leadership updates, and corporate events.

Development & Franchising Support

• Partner with the Development function to support new store opening ambition by managing stakeholder and community engagement strategy.
• Promote McDonald’s franchising value proposition and collaborate with the Franchising team to attract high-calibre franchisees through strategic storytelling and external visibility.

Sustainability & Social Impact

• Oversee S&SI strategy to support reputation building, risk mitigation and compliance.
• Lead national community impact programs and governance of franchisee activities.
• Oversee sustainability and/or economic reporting to demonstrate positive contribution to Swiss society.

Government Relations & Public Affairs

• Build and manage strategic relationships with policymakers, regulators, trade associations, NGOs and other relevant groups.
• Lead proactive advocacy strategies to protect license to operate and support business growth.
• Lead issues management to ensure business preparedness for emerging issues.

Crisis Management

• Lead planning and response for crisis communications.
• Ensure timely, transparent, and coordinated communication across stakeholders.

Customer Care

• Oversee customer care framework – including 3rd party management, process and strategic responses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Affairs, Communications, Sustainability, or related field.
• Strong track record of experience in external affairs, ESG, or stakeholder engagement.
• Proven leadership in corporate environment.
• Strong understanding of Swiss regulatory frameworks.
• Fluent in English and German or French.

Compensation

Salary Range