Counsel - ESG

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.

Job Description:

McDonald’s Global ESG Legal Team is seeking a Senior Manager, Counsel to assist with a broad range of ESG matters! This role will focus on environmental-related compliance issues and will report to the Senior Counsel of Global ESG Legal. This role helps to ensure that the Company complies with applicable laws and rules, monitors for relevant regulatory trends, and supports execution of the Company’s ESG strategy. The individual in this role is encouraged to work closely with clients (including senior level roles) to understand their needs and help them achieve business goals.

As the Counsel - ESG, you will be responsible for the following:

• Advise the business on compliance with applicable regulations, in particular in the areas of: packaging (including extended producer responsibility, contaminants of concern, reuse and circularity), antibiotic use in food producing animals, and nutrition labeling
• Act as a Center of Excellence across McDonald’s Global Legal & Compliance Department on environmental compliance matters that arise in markets, helping to ensure global and regional alignment
• Stay ahead of and provide counsel on developing regulatory trends in ESG relevant to the business, including as related to environmental sustainability and responsible sourcing matters
• Work cross-functionally with Global Impact, Global Supply Chain and other internal teams to influence external partners, including government, investors, industry groups and other third parties with respect to ESG matters affecting the business
• Provide legal advice in support of the business’ ESG-related legislative and public policy objectives
• Develop and implement training for business clients on relevant ESG topics, including compliance and risk mitigation
• Collaborate with other members of the Global ESG Legal Team on ESG-focused investor engagement, reporting, marketing, regulatory compliance and related matters
• Work collaboratively with market legal teams and subject matter experts across the Global Legal & Compliance Department on ESG matters

Qualifications:

• Law degree (JD, LLM, or equivalent)
• Track record of legal experience within environmental, sustainability, health & safety, nutrition, food safety, waste management or a similar field
• Prior law firm experience preferred
• Ability to effectively communicate complex issues effectively to senior-level business leaders
• Ability to work with and lead cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical and writing skills
• Advanced regulatory interpretation skills and knowledge of legislative processes

Additional Information:

At McDonald’s we are People from all Walks of Life... 

People are at the heart of everything we do, and they make the McDonald’s experience. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture that means people can be their best authentic self in our restaurants and offices, which helps us to better serve our customers. We have a strong heritage of diversity and representation within our communities, which we are proud of. The diversity of our people, customers, Franchisees and suppliers gives us strength.

We do not tolerate inequality, injustice or discrimination of any kind.  These are hugely important issues and a brand with our reach and relevance means we have a very meaningful role to play.

We also recognise our responsibility as a large employer to continue being active in our communities, helping to develop skills and drive aspirations that will help people to be more aware of the world of work and more successful within it, whether with McDonald’s or elsewhere.