Sr Manager, Employee Relations Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, Illinois | Apply Now!

Are you a seasoned Workplace Relations expert ready to make a significant impact at one of America's most iconic brands? McDonald's, the global leader in quick service restaurants, is seeking a Sr Manager, Employee Relations to join our dynamic People team in Chicago, Illinois. This senior-level position offers the opportunity to shape workplace relations strategies that impact thousands of team members across our extensive U.S. operations.

Why Join McDonald's as Sr Manager, Employee Relations?

McDonald's isn't just a job—it's a career destination. As the world's largest quick service restaurant chain, we serve over 69 million customers daily and employ hundreds of thousands of team members. Our Employee Relations team plays a critical role in maintaining positive workplace cultures, ensuring compliance with complex labor laws, and fostering environments where our people can thrive. The Sr Manager, Employee Relations position is pivotal in driving these initiatives at scale.

In this high-impact role, you'll partner with senior leaders across Operations, Legal, and People functions to navigate the complexities of employee relations in a fast-paced, high-volume industry. From collective bargaining to dispute resolution, your expertise will directly influence our ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences through engaged, compliant workforces.

Key Responsibilities of McDonald's Sr Manager, Employee Relations

The role demands strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution. Daily responsibilities include:

• Leading complex collective bargaining negotiations with unions and employee representatives
• Developing proactive industrial relations strategies aligned with business objectives
• Providing expert guidance on Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), and state-specific employment laws
• Managing workplace investigations including harassment, discrimination, and policy violation cases
• Partnering with restaurant operations leadership to resolve employee relations issues at the field level
• Designing and implementing employee relations policies, procedures, and training programs
• Analyzing employee relations trends and metrics to identify systemic issues and opportunities
• Representing McDonald's in external labor relations matters, arbitrations, and mediations
• Driving compliance initiatives across franchise and company-owned restaurants
• Coaching managers at all levels on effective employee relations practices

Essential Qualifications and Skills

To succeed in this challenging role, candidates must demonstrate:

• 8+ years of progressive employee relations experience in multi-site, high-volume operations
• Proven track record leading union negotiations and collective bargaining agreements
• Deep knowledge of federal and state employment laws including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and NLRA
• Experience managing complex workplace investigations with legal implications
• Strong analytical skills with experience using HRIS systems and employee relations case management tools
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with all organizational levels including executives
• Ability to travel up to 30% to restaurant locations nationwide
• JD or advanced degree in HR/Labor Relations preferred, with relevant certifications (SPHR, PHR)

McDonald's Competitive Compensation and Benefits

We value our Employee Relations leaders and offer comprehensive rewards including competitive salary ($140,000-$180,000 base), performance bonuses, comprehensive health benefits, 401(k) matching, and extensive professional development opportunities. Plus, enjoy employee discounts at McDonald's locations nationwide!

Career Growth Opportunities

This role offers clear pathways to Director-level positions within People Operations and beyond. McDonald's invests heavily in leadership development, providing access to executive coaching, MBA sponsorships, and cross-functional rotations. Many of our senior People leaders started in specialized roles like Employee Relations.

The McDonald's Employee Relations Landscape

Working in employee relations at McDonald's means navigating a unique environment. Our 95% franchised model requires balancing corporate strategy with franchisee autonomy while maintaining brand standards. You'll manage relations across diverse workforces including teens, career changers, immigrants, and long-term managers. Union presence varies by market, requiring nuanced approaches from partnership to traditional bargaining.

Recent labor market challenges—minimum wage increases, scheduling regulations, worker shortages—make this role more strategic than ever. Your work will directly impact our ability to attract, retain, and engage the workforce powering our restaurants.

Day in the Life of a Sr Manager, Employee Relations at McDonald's

Your day might start with reviewing overnight case escalations from restaurant support centers, followed by strategy sessions with Operations VPs on upcoming union contract expirations. Mid-morning could involve coaching a General Manager through a complex termination, then analyzing national trends in employee turnover data. Afternoons often include cross-functional meetings with Legal on litigation risks or training design sessions for field HR teams. Evenings might mean preparing executive briefings on emerging regulatory threats.

Why Chicago? McDonald's Global Headquarters

Located in Chicago's West Loop, our headquarters offers modern workspaces, convenient public transit, and proximity to cultural attractions. The role includes hybrid flexibility with 3 days in-office collaboration.

Application Process and Next Steps

Ready to bring your Employee Relations expertise to McDonald's? Our streamlined application takes just 5 minutes. Selected candidates advance to behavioral interviews, case studies, and panel discussions with senior leaders. Join the Golden Arches and make every moment count in employee relations!

McDonald's is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.