Senior Manager, Government Relations and Public Policy

Job Description

Company Description

At McDonald's, we are committed to being the best, and that starts with finding the best people. We have built a team of extraordinary people from around the world. We are problem solvers, risk takers, innovators, and thought leaders that take our work seriously, but have fun doing it. We challenge ourselves to get smarter and sharper every day, we value personal and professional growth, and believe in rewarding and celebrating our successes.

Job Description

Position title: Senior Manager, Government Relations and Public Policy
Department: Canada Impact Team
Position band: Management/Advisory
Reports to: Canada Impact Officer
Type of position: Full-time
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Canada Impact Officer, this role will oversee the McDonald's Canada Government Relations and Public Policy team, providing leadership for:

• Government relations advocacy and stakeholder relations at the highest levels of government, NGOs and partners to protect McDonald's business interests and enhance brand trust. You will predict and analyze government legislation and regulation that negatively and positively impacts the McDonald's system, develop and implement strategies to build impact or eliminate / mitigate harmful impacts on corporate and franchised operations, and manage related industry and stakeholder relations activities.
• Engage with and advocate McDonald’s Canada positions, purpose approach and societal impact with key external stakeholders, including the Prime Ministers Office, all Provincial Leaders and key municipal Mayors, as well as high level policy makers and regulators, industry trade associations, and advocates.
• Design and manage the McDonald’s Canada integrated, innovate and long-term GPA strategy, partnerships, and policies to drive positive impact in the areas that matter the most to our constituents: food quality and sourcing; our planet, community connections and jobs, inclusion and empowerment.
• Lead large cross-functional teams of 20+ people for public policy and stakeholder relations mandates and projects around the System, you will oversee initiatives and public policy commitments that span the value chain – from supply chain through to the restaurant, customer, and community experience – and ensure integration with the overall business strategy and global impact goals.
• In this role you will provide leadership and guidance to team members - two Managers -, play a pivotal role on the Impact Leadership Team and mentor across a team of 15+ people in the function.
• You will be responsible for our GPA agency of record, who provide support on the overall mandate detailed in this job description.
• You will be responsible for budgets in the region of $1million.
• You will be the official spokesperson for the brand with the Prime Ministers Office and all federal, provincial and municipal stakeholders, plus NGOs and industry stakeholders.
• You will play an active and leadership role on the committees of our key national trade associations.
• You will be a key strategic advisor to franchisees across the country on political issues and opportunities.
• You will operate as an integrated part of our overall Canada Impact Team- your experience and passion for Government, and Public Policy will drive positive impact and help improve brand trust scores, as part of the broader team and business strategy, creative execution opportunities.

Who You Are
You are a strategic and critical thinker with strong consensus building and communication skills who can effectively support our system in a fast-paced environment. You have the ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively in a team environment with both internal and external parties. You are able to interpret large amounts of data and insights to establish effective strategies that build the brand’s reputation around our actions and behaviours, influencing positive action to drive impact across the System that delivers against global goals. You are able to identify and advance opportunities to speak proactively about the brand and the work that we do. You are a protector of the Brand and always have an ear to the ground to mitigate risks.
What’s in it for you?
This is an unparalleled opportunity to join a winning organization during an exciting time of transformational change. You will gain exposure across all facets of the organization, from peers, to Company Leadership, Franchisees and Suppliers. You will also work with an international team, representing Canada within a Global Impact Team. You are looking for a company with a winning culture where you can grow in depth and breadth while making a tangible impact on strategic initiatives.

Job Responsibilities:
Policy Analysis, Strategy Execution, and Issues Management

• Monitor and assess emerging federal, provincial and municipal legislative and regulatory activities to evaluate impacts on the McDonald’s system.
• Establish corporate objectives, policies, practices and positions on critical public affairs and sustainability issues that reflect input from relevant areas of the business.
• Develop and implement government relations and stakeholder relations strategies to respond to emerging issues or to advance issues of priority to the McDonald’s system.
• Lobby on critical issues, both independently and as part of coalition and association efforts, to influence government policy to achieve McDonald’s objectives.
• Design and execute programs to optimize the effectiveness of the McDonald's grassroots system of franchisees, suppliers and business partners.
• Manage a wide range of critical issues and initiatives concurrently, including development and implementation of strategies and tactics, management of timeframes and critical paths, and preparation of related tools and support materials.
• Raise the profile of the company with elected and appointed government decision-makers through outreach, education, and engagement.

Communications and Stakeholder Relations

• Report to CSLT on developments in reputational and regulatory issues and proposals that may affect McDonald’s business objectives and/or operations to ensure risks and opportunities are identified proactively and monitored
• Prepare and distribute to the McDonald’s system clear and concise status updates and briefing materials for current and emerging issues, and conduct verbal briefings as needed.
• Prepare position papers and submissions to government and public agencies outlining McDonald's and/or the industry’s position on key issues.
• Use a range of approaches for ongoing communication with government officials, stakeholders, and influencers in the course of managing issues and initiatives.
• Influence industry associations and coalitions in the development of positions to ensure that McDonald's interests are represented.
• Working with internal partners, seek out and deliver proactive storytelling opportunities to promote brand reputation among elected officials and key stakeholders.
• Leverage existing a networks of contacts and build new relationships with industry members, industry and business associations, government decision-makers, influencers, and external SMEs.
• Support franchisees in relationship building with elected officials and stakeholders.

Networking and Relationship Building

• Establish a network of contacts and build relationships with industry members, industry and business associations, government decision-makers, influencers, and external SMEs.
• Build industry and cross-industry coalitions and drive consensus approaches on critical issues of mutual concern.
• Raise the profile of the company with elected and appointed government decision-makers through outreach, education, and engagement.
• Support franchisees in relationship building with elected officials and stakeholders.
• Represent McDonald's on relevant industry boards and committees, and maintain a high level of involvement in industry association policy/program development to ensure that McDonald’s interests are represented.

**This position is a Flex Hybrid Model, requiring 3 days in-office and 2 days remote**

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a related discipline is helpful, but not required.
• 10-15 years’ work experience in a government relations capacity or related field.
• Knowledge of industry issues including nutrition, environment and sustainability, labour and employment standards, zoning, franchising, food safety, supply management, etc.
• Understanding of policy/legislative processes and political dynamics across the country at all levels of government.
• Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking capabilities.
• Excellent planning, execution, and time management abilities.
• High standard of verbal and written communication skills (English).
• French would be considered a significant asset.
• Ability to engage with a broad range of industry and third party stakeholders to generate consensus, influence outcomes, and build relationships.
• Ability to work in and adapt to a fast-paced environment with quickly changing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Team leader with proven ability to build relationships and foster collaboration across functional areas.
• Ability to exercise discretion, good judgment and diplomacy.
• Some travel within Canada will be required.

Leadership Expectations:

• Stand with the Guest - Strong guest focus with the ability to provide accurate and timely responses.
• Inspire Others to Shine – Self-starter, able to work under minimal supervision, strong interpersonal skills and team player.
• Collaborate Across Boundaries - High degree of influence and credibility both internally and externally.
• Focus on Shared Purpose - good communication with the ability to handle difficult situations and conversations.
• Seek New Ways - Ability to monitor trends within McDonald’s and adapt accordingly

Additional Information

McDonald’s Canada and Owner/Operators are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace for all. Our workplaces have a long-standing policy of providing fair, equitable, and accessible opportunities for all employees and prospective employees. Accommodations during the application process are available upon request.