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Sr Director, Cyber Defense Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!

McDonald's

Sr Director, Cyber Defense Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!

full-timePosted: Feb 10, 2026

Job Description

Sr Director, Cyber Defense Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!

Sr Director, Cyber Defense at McDonald's: Lead Global Cybersecurity Defense

Join McDonald's, the world's leading quick-service restaurant chain serving 70 million customers daily across 100+ countries, as the Senior Director of Global Cyber Defense. This executive leadership role reports directly to the Vice President of Global Security Services and positions you at the forefront of protecting one of the most iconic brands on the planet. If you're a cybersecurity visionary with proven experience in building and scaling Global Security Operations Centers (GSOC), incident response, threat intelligence, and offensive security, this is your opportunity to shape McDonald's cyber resilience strategy.

Why McDonald's Cyber Defense Leadership Role Stands Out

McDonald's is not just fast food—it's a global tech powerhouse innovating with drive-thru AI, mobile ordering, delivery partnerships, and cloud-based restaurant systems. Our Accelerating the Arches strategy demands world-class cybersecurity to safeguard corporate networks, franchisee operations, supply chains, and customer data. As Sr Director, Cyber Defense, you'll transform our global team into a managed service provider (MSP) delivering unified detection, response, and threat mitigation to markets of varying maturity—from mature U.S. operations to emerging international affiliates.

This role demands strategic prowess and hands-on operational excellence. You'll oversee critical functions like the 24x7 GSOC, enterprise incident response, threat intelligence, insider threat programs, penetration testing, and detection engineering. During cyber crises, you'll be the enterprise spokesperson briefing the CISO, executive team, board, and franchisees, ensuring brand confidence remains unshaken.

Key Responsibilities of McDonald's Sr Director, Cyber Defense

  • Develop and execute a global Cyber Defense strategy aligned with enterprise risk, brand protection, and growth initiatives.
  • Lead partnerships with CISO, Global Technology, and regional CIOs for seamless security across corporate, market, and restaurant environments.
  • Manage GSOC operations for real-time threat detection in hybrid cloud, on-prem, and IoT restaurant tech stacks.
  • Drive incident response, forensics, and post-mortem processes for swift recovery and resilience building.
  • Oversee threat intelligence to anticipate risks in food supply chains, digital payments, and global operations.
  • Balance insider threat detection with privacy compliance in a franchise-heavy model.
  • Champion offensive security through red team exercises and penetration testing.
  • Engineer advanced detection rules using SIEM, EDR, and AI-driven analytics.
  • Set KPIs for global service delivery, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Lead crisis communications during high-stakes incidents.

Essential Qualifications for Success

To thrive, you need 15+ years in cybersecurity, including 8+ in senior roles managing SOCs or cyber defense at scale. A Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field is required; CISSP, CISM, or GIAC certifications are highly valued. Experience in MSP models for global enterprises, especially in retail/hospitality with IoT and franchise complexities, is crucial. You must excel in executive stakeholder management and have a track record of leading through major breaches.

Skills That Define Top Cyber Defense Leaders at McDonald's

Mastery in SIEM (Splunk, ELK), EDR (CrowdStrike, SentinelOne), cloud security (AWS, Azure), threat hunting, and offensive tools (Metasploit, Burp Suite) is non-negotiable. Soft skills like strategic vision, crisis leadership, and cross-functional collaboration will set you apart.

McDonald's Benefits: Rewarding Your Cybersecurity Expertise

Beyond competitive compensation ($280K-$400K base + bonuses), enjoy comprehensive health coverage, 401(k) matching, tuition aid for certs, flexible hybrid work, global travel, and wellness perks. McDonald's invests in your growth with leadership coaching and innovation exposure.

Career Growth in McDonald's Global Security

This role is a launchpad to CISO or VP-level positions. McDonald's fosters internal mobility, with alumni leading security at Fortune 500 firms. Contribute to protecting 39,000+ restaurants while advancing your legacy.

Apply for Sr Director, Cyber Defense at McDonald's Today

Chicago-based with global scope and remote flexibility. Ready to defend the Arches? Submit your application now and join a team innovating at the intersection of food, tech, and security.

Word count: 1452

Locations

  • Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • New York, New York, USA
  • San Francisco, California, USA (Remote)
  • Dallas, Texas, USA

Salary

Estimated Salary Rangehigh confidence

294,000 - 440,000 USD / yearly

Source: ai estimated

* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Skills Required

  • Cybersecurity Strategyintermediate
  • Incident Response Managementintermediate
  • Threat Intelligence Analysisintermediate
  • Global Security Operationsintermediate
  • Penetration Testingintermediate
  • Detection Engineeringintermediate
  • Insider Threat Detectionintermediate
  • SIEM Managementintermediate
  • Cloud Security (AWS/Azure)intermediate
  • Risk Managementintermediate
  • Crisis Communicationintermediate
  • Team Leadershipintermediate
  • Forensic Analysisintermediate
  • Offensive Securityintermediate
  • Enterprise Security Architectureintermediate

Required Qualifications

  • 15+ years of progressive cybersecurity experience, with 8+ years in senior leadership roles overseeing SOC or cyber defense operations (experience)
  • Proven track record leading Global Security Operations Centers (GSOC) in multinational enterprises (experience)
  • Deep expertise in incident response, threat hunting, and digital forensics across cloud, on-prem, and IoT environments (experience)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field; Master's or CISSP/CISM certification preferred (experience)
  • Experience managing cyber defense as a managed service provider (MSP) for diverse global markets (experience)
  • Strong understanding of restaurant tech, supply chain risks, and franchisee security models (experience)
  • Demonstrated ability to brief C-suite executives, boards, and regulators during cyber incidents (experience)
  • Expertise in insider threat programs balancing detection with privacy compliance (GDPR, CCPA) (experience)
  • Hands-on experience with offensive security, penetration testing, and red team operations (experience)
  • Excellent strategic partnership skills with CISOs, CIOs, and regional technology leaders (experience)

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the global Cyber Defense strategy aligned with enterprise risk management and McDonald's 'Accelerating the Arches' vision
  • Oversee the 24x7 Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) for threat detection, response, and containment across networks, cloud, and restaurants
  • Lead enterprise-wide incident response, digital forensics, and post-incident reviews to ensure rapid mitigation and lessons learned
  • Manage global threat intelligence programs to prioritize risks to operations, supply chain, and digital ecosystem
  • Direct the insider threat detection program while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations
  • Lead offensive security and penetration testing teams to proactively identify vulnerabilities
  • Build Detection Engineering capabilities for advanced threat hunting and custom analytics
  • Establish global service metrics for consistent detection/response quality across markets, licensees, and affiliates
  • Partner with CISO, Global Technology leaders, and regional CIOs for unified security capabilities
  • Represent Cyber Defense in executive briefings, board discussions, and crisis management during major incidents
  • Mature the Cyber Defense organization as a managed service provider (MSP) for varying maturity levels globally
  • Drive continuous improvement in cyber resilience to protect the McDonald's brand worldwide

Benefits

  • general: Competitive base salary with performance-based bonuses and equity incentives
  • general: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with low employee premiums
  • general: 401(k) retirement plan with generous company match up to 6%
  • general: Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave
  • general: Flexible work arrangements including hybrid and remote options
  • general: Tuition reimbursement for advanced cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CISM)
  • general: Employee stock purchase plan with discounts
  • general: On-site fitness centers and wellness programs at corporate headquarters
  • general: Global mobility opportunities across McDonald's 100+ countries
  • general: Charitable matching program for employee donations
  • general: Mental health support through EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • general: Annual leadership development retreats and executive coaching

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cybersecurityleadershipMcDonald'sGSOCincident responsethreat intelligenceCISOglobal securitySr Director Cyber Defense McDonald'sMcDonald's cybersecurity jobsGlobal Security Operations Center jobsCyber incident response leaderThreat intelligence manager McDonald'sPenetration testing directorCISO report cybersecurity roleGlobal cyber defense strategy jobsInsider threat program leadDetection engineering McDonald'sSenior cybersecurity executive ChicagoMcDonald's GSOC directorEnterprise cyber defense careersOffensive security leadershipMSP cybersecurity global marketsRestaurant cybersecurity jobsFranchise security operationsCyber crisis management executiveSIEM threat hunting jobsCISM CISSP McDonald's jobsVP Global Security Services teamAccelerating the Arches cybersecurityFood ServiceRestaurantRetail

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McDonald's logo

Sr Director, Cyber Defense Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!

McDonald's

Sr Director, Cyber Defense Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!

full-timePosted: Feb 10, 2026

Job Description

Sr Director, Cyber Defense Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!

Sr Director, Cyber Defense at McDonald's: Lead Global Cybersecurity Defense

Join McDonald's, the world's leading quick-service restaurant chain serving 70 million customers daily across 100+ countries, as the Senior Director of Global Cyber Defense. This executive leadership role reports directly to the Vice President of Global Security Services and positions you at the forefront of protecting one of the most iconic brands on the planet. If you're a cybersecurity visionary with proven experience in building and scaling Global Security Operations Centers (GSOC), incident response, threat intelligence, and offensive security, this is your opportunity to shape McDonald's cyber resilience strategy.

Why McDonald's Cyber Defense Leadership Role Stands Out

McDonald's is not just fast food—it's a global tech powerhouse innovating with drive-thru AI, mobile ordering, delivery partnerships, and cloud-based restaurant systems. Our Accelerating the Arches strategy demands world-class cybersecurity to safeguard corporate networks, franchisee operations, supply chains, and customer data. As Sr Director, Cyber Defense, you'll transform our global team into a managed service provider (MSP) delivering unified detection, response, and threat mitigation to markets of varying maturity—from mature U.S. operations to emerging international affiliates.

This role demands strategic prowess and hands-on operational excellence. You'll oversee critical functions like the 24x7 GSOC, enterprise incident response, threat intelligence, insider threat programs, penetration testing, and detection engineering. During cyber crises, you'll be the enterprise spokesperson briefing the CISO, executive team, board, and franchisees, ensuring brand confidence remains unshaken.

Key Responsibilities of McDonald's Sr Director, Cyber Defense

  • Develop and execute a global Cyber Defense strategy aligned with enterprise risk, brand protection, and growth initiatives.
  • Lead partnerships with CISO, Global Technology, and regional CIOs for seamless security across corporate, market, and restaurant environments.
  • Manage GSOC operations for real-time threat detection in hybrid cloud, on-prem, and IoT restaurant tech stacks.
  • Drive incident response, forensics, and post-mortem processes for swift recovery and resilience building.
  • Oversee threat intelligence to anticipate risks in food supply chains, digital payments, and global operations.
  • Balance insider threat detection with privacy compliance in a franchise-heavy model.
  • Champion offensive security through red team exercises and penetration testing.
  • Engineer advanced detection rules using SIEM, EDR, and AI-driven analytics.
  • Set KPIs for global service delivery, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Lead crisis communications during high-stakes incidents.

Essential Qualifications for Success

To thrive, you need 15+ years in cybersecurity, including 8+ in senior roles managing SOCs or cyber defense at scale. A Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field is required; CISSP, CISM, or GIAC certifications are highly valued. Experience in MSP models for global enterprises, especially in retail/hospitality with IoT and franchise complexities, is crucial. You must excel in executive stakeholder management and have a track record of leading through major breaches.

Skills That Define Top Cyber Defense Leaders at McDonald's

Mastery in SIEM (Splunk, ELK), EDR (CrowdStrike, SentinelOne), cloud security (AWS, Azure), threat hunting, and offensive tools (Metasploit, Burp Suite) is non-negotiable. Soft skills like strategic vision, crisis leadership, and cross-functional collaboration will set you apart.

McDonald's Benefits: Rewarding Your Cybersecurity Expertise

Beyond competitive compensation ($280K-$400K base + bonuses), enjoy comprehensive health coverage, 401(k) matching, tuition aid for certs, flexible hybrid work, global travel, and wellness perks. McDonald's invests in your growth with leadership coaching and innovation exposure.

Career Growth in McDonald's Global Security

This role is a launchpad to CISO or VP-level positions. McDonald's fosters internal mobility, with alumni leading security at Fortune 500 firms. Contribute to protecting 39,000+ restaurants while advancing your legacy.

Apply for Sr Director, Cyber Defense at McDonald's Today

Chicago-based with global scope and remote flexibility. Ready to defend the Arches? Submit your application now and join a team innovating at the intersection of food, tech, and security.

Word count: 1452

Locations

  • Chicago, Illinois, USA
  • New York, New York, USA
  • San Francisco, California, USA (Remote)
  • Dallas, Texas, USA

Salary

Estimated Salary Rangehigh confidence

294,000 - 440,000 USD / yearly

Source: ai estimated

* This is an estimated range based on market data and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Skills Required

  • Cybersecurity Strategyintermediate
  • Incident Response Managementintermediate
  • Threat Intelligence Analysisintermediate
  • Global Security Operationsintermediate
  • Penetration Testingintermediate
  • Detection Engineeringintermediate
  • Insider Threat Detectionintermediate
  • SIEM Managementintermediate
  • Cloud Security (AWS/Azure)intermediate
  • Risk Managementintermediate
  • Crisis Communicationintermediate
  • Team Leadershipintermediate
  • Forensic Analysisintermediate
  • Offensive Securityintermediate
  • Enterprise Security Architectureintermediate

Required Qualifications

  • 15+ years of progressive cybersecurity experience, with 8+ years in senior leadership roles overseeing SOC or cyber defense operations (experience)
  • Proven track record leading Global Security Operations Centers (GSOC) in multinational enterprises (experience)
  • Deep expertise in incident response, threat hunting, and digital forensics across cloud, on-prem, and IoT environments (experience)
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field; Master's or CISSP/CISM certification preferred (experience)
  • Experience managing cyber defense as a managed service provider (MSP) for diverse global markets (experience)
  • Strong understanding of restaurant tech, supply chain risks, and franchisee security models (experience)
  • Demonstrated ability to brief C-suite executives, boards, and regulators during cyber incidents (experience)
  • Expertise in insider threat programs balancing detection with privacy compliance (GDPR, CCPA) (experience)
  • Hands-on experience with offensive security, penetration testing, and red team operations (experience)
  • Excellent strategic partnership skills with CISOs, CIOs, and regional technology leaders (experience)

Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the global Cyber Defense strategy aligned with enterprise risk management and McDonald's 'Accelerating the Arches' vision
  • Oversee the 24x7 Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) for threat detection, response, and containment across networks, cloud, and restaurants
  • Lead enterprise-wide incident response, digital forensics, and post-incident reviews to ensure rapid mitigation and lessons learned
  • Manage global threat intelligence programs to prioritize risks to operations, supply chain, and digital ecosystem
  • Direct the insider threat detection program while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations
  • Lead offensive security and penetration testing teams to proactively identify vulnerabilities
  • Build Detection Engineering capabilities for advanced threat hunting and custom analytics
  • Establish global service metrics for consistent detection/response quality across markets, licensees, and affiliates
  • Partner with CISO, Global Technology leaders, and regional CIOs for unified security capabilities
  • Represent Cyber Defense in executive briefings, board discussions, and crisis management during major incidents
  • Mature the Cyber Defense organization as a managed service provider (MSP) for varying maturity levels globally
  • Drive continuous improvement in cyber resilience to protect the McDonald's brand worldwide

Benefits

  • general: Competitive base salary with performance-based bonuses and equity incentives
  • general: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with low employee premiums
  • general: 401(k) retirement plan with generous company match up to 6%
  • general: Paid time off including vacation, sick days, and parental leave
  • general: Flexible work arrangements including hybrid and remote options
  • general: Tuition reimbursement for advanced cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CISM)
  • general: Employee stock purchase plan with discounts
  • general: On-site fitness centers and wellness programs at corporate headquarters
  • general: Global mobility opportunities across McDonald's 100+ countries
  • general: Charitable matching program for employee donations
  • general: Mental health support through EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • general: Annual leadership development retreats and executive coaching

Target Your Resume for "Sr Director, Cyber Defense Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!" , McDonald's

Get personalized recommendations to optimize your resume specifically for Sr Director, Cyber Defense Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!. Takes only 15 seconds!

AI-powered keyword optimization
Skills matching & gap analysis
Experience alignment suggestions

Check Your ATS Score for "Sr Director, Cyber Defense Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!" , McDonald's

Find out how well your resume matches this job's requirements. Get comprehensive analysis including ATS compatibility, keyword matching, skill gaps, and personalized recommendations.

ATS compatibility check
Keyword optimization analysis
Skill matching & gap identification
Format & readability score

Tags & Categories

cybersecurityleadershipMcDonald'sGSOCincident responsethreat intelligenceCISOglobal securitySr Director Cyber Defense McDonald'sMcDonald's cybersecurity jobsGlobal Security Operations Center jobsCyber incident response leaderThreat intelligence manager McDonald'sPenetration testing directorCISO report cybersecurity roleGlobal cyber defense strategy jobsInsider threat program leadDetection engineering McDonald'sSenior cybersecurity executive ChicagoMcDonald's GSOC directorEnterprise cyber defense careersOffensive security leadershipMSP cybersecurity global marketsRestaurant cybersecurity jobsFranchise security operationsCyber crisis management executiveSIEM threat hunting jobsCISM CISSP McDonald's jobsVP Global Security Services teamAccelerating the Arches cybersecurityFood ServiceRestaurantRetail

Answer 10 quick questions to check your fit for Sr Director, Cyber Defense Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now! @ McDonald's.

Quiz Challenge
10 Questions
~2 Minutes
Instant Score

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