Department Manager

💰 Starting at $18–$20/hr

🔑 Step Up, Lead Strong, and Make a Real Impact

As a Department Manager, you're not just leading a shift—you’re building a team, driving performance, and helping lead a business. This is the next level of leadership at McDonald's, with clear pathways for growth and personal development.

If you’re an experienced Shift Manager or a motivated leader in hospitality or retail, this role gives you the opportunity to coach others, take ownership of results, and make a real difference in our restaurants and your own career.

🎯 What You’ll Do:

As a Department Manager, you’ll take ownership of one of three core areas of the restaurant:

Guest Services

• Ensure exceptional customer experiences in the dining room, drive-thru, and front counter
• Lead sales promotions and service training
• Motivate staff to deliver fast, friendly service

Kitchen Operations

• Deliver quality, food safety, and speed in every meal
• Monitor and control food costs
• Train kitchen team on prep procedures and new menu items

People & Staffing

• Recruit, train, and schedule qualified crew
• Support employee development and performance
• Recognize and reward great work

All Department Managers help lead shifts, coach crew and shift managers, track progress toward goals, and create a positive team culture that supports success.

🎓 Growth Path: Become a General Manager

Top-performing Department Managers have the opportunity to be promoted to General Manager, a salaried leadership position with additional benefits and greater responsibilities. This includes paid, in-person leadership development courses at Hamburger University in Chicago—a world-class training program for future McDonald’s executives.

✅ What We’re Looking For:

• Previous leadership experience in restaurants, retail, or hospitality
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to inspire, organize, and hold teams accountable
• Must be 18+ and available for a flexible schedule

🎁 Benefits You’ll Love:

• Competitive pay starting at $18–$20/hr
• Up to 15 days paid vacation
• 401(k) with 4% company match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short- and long-term disability, life & accident coverage
• Paid leaves of absence
• Free meals during shifts
• World-class training & career development
• Education assistance via Archways to Opportunity
• Employee Resource Connection and service awards

📌 The Fine Print:

This posting outlines the typical responsibilities of the role but is not an exhaustive job description. Department Managers often perform a wide variety of tasks, and each day may bring something new.

This is a position with a franchise-owned McDonald’s location, not McDonald’s USA. By applying, you acknowledge that all hiring, scheduling, and employment decisions are made by the independent franchisee—not McDonald’s Corporation.