Director, Foundational Customer Insights

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. As the global leader in the food service industry, our legacy of innovation and hard work continues to drive us. From drive‑thru updates to delivery and mobile order and pay, we are innovating quickly and growing.

At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact and lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community, and family. We also offer outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements.

About McDonald’s

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. As the global leader in the food service industry, our legacy of innovation and hard work continues to drive us. From drive‑thru updates to delivery and mobile order and pay, we are innovating quickly and growing.

At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact and lead through our values centered on inclusiveness, service, integrity, community, and family. We also offer outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements.

Our state‑of‑the‑art headquarters is in the booming West Loop of downtown Chicago! It is set up to be a global hub that cultivates collaboration:

• Take a class at Hamburger University
• Sample future items in our Test Kitchen
• Utilize the latest technology to connect with your team around the globe

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our crew members, staff, operators, and suppliers. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel‑good moments for everyone. We are interested in people who enhance our company culture. Does this role interest you? We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single requirement!

Role Overview

The Global Strategic Insight Department connects human truths with business strategy to drive growth. As Director, Brand & Foundational Insights, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of McDonald’s by transforming deep consumer knowledge into strategic growth opportunities and compelling narratives for stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Global Research Initiatives Optimize and execute consumer globally foundational research programs across the markets to uncover behaviors, attitudes, and emerging trends.
• Transform Data into Action Translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations that inform business decisions across the organization.
• Partner Across Functions Collaborate with Marketing, Corporate Strategy, Restaurant Experience, Operations, Product and Digital teams to embed consumer insights into strategic planning and execution both within global and across markets.
• Influence Senior Leadership Present insights to executives and global stakeholders, shaping decisions that drive growth and strengthen brand equity.

The Ideal Candidate

• Can uncover and communicate compelling stories from data, driving actionable insights while maintaining research integrity.
• Has strong business acumen, with a proven track record of leveraging research and analysis to inform and drive business strategy.
• Is confident in presenting research findings and interpretations to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
• Thrives in agile environments and is forward‑thinking, adept at navigating change and simplifying complex decisions across teams and functions.
• Has exceptional project management skills, balancing multiple priorities and stakeholder expectations.
• Champions a consumer‑centric mindset, consistently advocating for customer‑driven decisions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in consumer insights, preferably in QSR or a branded environment.
• Bachelor’s, ideally with a focus on business, marketing or consumer research.
• International/global experience is highly valued.

Bonus Eligible:
Yes

Long - Term Incentive:
Yes

Benefits Eligible:
Yes

The expected salary range for this role…