Senior Manager, Global Restaurant Design at McDonald

Job Description

This role involves all customer-facing areas and brand extensions, and the scope can include interior/terrace decors, crew facilities, brand extensions, family & play, acoustics, lighting, optimizing initial investment and efficiency of operation, all while ensuring solutions stay true to brand & allow markets sufficient license to address local constraints/conditions.  You will work closely with relevant external SME (i.e., lighting, acoustics, play, digital, sustainability) and the restaurant Model Team to deliver a holistic restaurant experience. Note: Architecture (layouts/configurations, BOH, façade design & exterior signage) rests with the Restaurant Model Team

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and innovate design concepts that align with the brand's vision and customer experience goals, including concept development and production of design intent assets.
• Plan and optimize the use of space to enhance customer & crew flow and experience.
• Select materials, décor, and fixtures, including technical details and specifications.
• Choose appropriate materials that align with the design and functional requirements.
• Produce 3D models to support conceptual design work.
• Lead the technical aspects of product design with the ability to connect visual storytelling with manufacturing logic, translated into efficient prototyping
• Consult the team on the development of solutions, fixtures, and fittings with a focus on durability, engineering constraints, ergonomics, and cost.
• Support design reviews, supplier workshops, and mock-ups to ensure buildability.
• Continuously refine and improve design concepts based on feedback and new insights.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders: Brand, Insights, RSG, Product, GFM + suppliers, external partners, to develop and execute design projects.
• Ensure all design work adheres to established standards and guidelines.
• Establish briefs capturing the requirements for the new global restaurant design solutions.
• Perform supplier/consultant identification & development.
• Pursue prototyping of components/materials & refinements of pilots in market 0/1 to test design solutions and refine as needed to facilitate effective scaling globally. 
• Adapt or enhance quality or value in existing methods; make them better as part of day-to-day activities.
• Contribute to supporting Missions led by other groups as relevant, integrating their needs into the restaurant aesthetic/experiential design. 
• Mentor junior designers and provide design critiques to elevate team output
• Collaborate with & support the Integration Team on: -
  • Establishment of approvals for any products/solutions required by the aesthetic/experiential design that need to be integrated into GRS (e.g. lockers). 
  • Inquiries from Segment (high-profile locations/those demanding unique solutions, concept localization)
  • Design of Brand Flagship locations
  • Engineering etc., solutions/standards to facilitate procurement by Global Strategic Sourcing Services (GSSS).
  • On ‘seeding’ new experience designs in Segments
  • Transfer knowledge to the design activation team to allow them to create guidelines and training materials for global scaling.

• Contribute to supporting the development of talent across various Markets, and Global and Segment teams to help develop a pool of strong restaurant design and/or development professionals.
• Influence without the direct exercise of command; persuasion is required to effect change.
• Demonstrate strong communication skills, enabling you to engage with individuals who may hold different perspectives but share a common interest, primarily motivated by a shared goal of finding a resolution.
• Play an active role in contributing to the performance of the Team.

Qualifications

• BA or equivalent in architecture or special design, + Product Design 
• Significant track record and experience in creating impactful environments, multi-site food and beverage design preferred.
• Experience in product design and “technical know-how”
• Experience working with suppliers and overseeing prototype
• Proven track record driving outcomes with internal and external stakeholders
• Proven track record driving outcomes with internal and external stakeholders
• Expert skills in creating 3D models and visualizations using Rhino and/or SketchUp.
• Proven track record driving outcomes with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Exposure to working with brands and/or branded environments.
• An interest in motion design, animation, video production, and other forms of digital or interactive media.
• Strong sense of ownership, initiative, and creative curiosity
• Resilient under feedback and capable of managing multiple priorities
• Open, collaborative, and inclusive in the creative process