Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA

Director, Legal Counsel - ERISA

McDonald's

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.

Responsibilities

• Advise on all laws applicable to employee benefits and executive compensation plans, including ERISA, the Affordable Care Act, and relevant tax law.

• Manage benefit plan settlor and fiduciary governance, including planning for committee meetings and drafting minutes.

• Train and advise plan fiduciaries.

• Draft and review 401(k), health, welfare, severance, and non‑qualified deferred compensation plan documents and amendments.

• Draft and review summary plan descriptions and other employee benefit communications.

• Handle interactions with applicable government agencies in connection with plan audits or corrections.

• Help assess legal and business risks, including brand risk.

• Proactively alert and advise on changes in law.

• Assist with drafting and reviewing benefit reporting and disclosure items, including in the annual proxy statement.

• Manage, review, and provide counsel with respect to participant claims/appeals and assist with management of ERISA‑based disputes and litigation.

• Review and negotiate plan service provider contracts, such as TPA, PBM, and investment management agreements.

• Provide general advice on various legislative and regulatory issues concerning employee compensation and benefits law.

• Maintain a broad network of ERISA colleagues and engage in professional development opportunities to monitor best practices and emerging issues (e.g., ABA Employee Benefits Committee; informal networking groups).

• Advise on employee benefits issues in acquisitions and divestitures.

Qualifications

• JD degree and admitted to practice in the U.S.

• 8+ years of experience

• Prior in‑house experience preferred

• Thorough understanding of ERISA; the relevant provisions of tax law including IRC Section 409A; and other laws governing employee benefit plans and executive compensation

• Strong analytical and writing skills

• Ability to work with and lead cross‑functional teams

• Ability to communicate complex issues effectively to senior level business leaders

Compensation and Benefits

Bonus eligible:
Yes

Long‑Term Incentive eligible:
Yes

Benefits eligible:
Yes

Expected salary range: $ – $ per year. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience, and other job‑related factors.

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.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Legal

Industries

Human Resources Services, Law Practice, and Legal Services

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

McDonald’s is an…