Manager, Government & Public Affairs

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: Manager, Government & Public Affairs
Department: Canada Impact Team
Position band: Management/Advisory (G4)
Reports to: Senior Manager, Government & Public Affairs
Type of position: Full-time, Permanent

The Opportunity
How would you like to work for the #1 quick service restaurant operation in the world? We currently have an opportunity for a Manager of Government & Public Affairs role in our Toronto office.

In this role on the McDonald's Canada Government & Public Affairs team, you will provide government relations advocacy and stakeholder relations to protect McDonald's business interests and enhance brand trust. Reporting to the Senior Manager, you will analyze government legislation and regulations that negatively impact the McDonald's system, develop and implement strategies to eliminate or mitigate harmful impacts on corporate and franchised operations, and manage related industry and stakeholder relations activities.

Who You Are
You are a strategic and critical thinker with strong consensus building, problem solving 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 a protector of the Brand who always has 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 levels of the organization, from your team members to Executives and Franchisees. You will join a company with a winning culture where you can grow in depth and breadth while making a tangible impact on central initiatives.

Job Description:
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 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, grassroots activation of franchisees and suppliers, management of timeframes and critical paths, and preparation of related tools and support materials.

Communications and Stakeholder Relations:

• 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.
• Develop and maintain key messages, Q+As, issues notes, calls to action, and related tools for the effective management of critical issues and initiatives.

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, event organization (i.e. Hill Days), education, and engagement.
• Support franchisees in relationship building with elected officials and stakeholders. Represent McDonald's on relevant industry association boards and committees,and maintain a high level of involvement in industry policy/program development to ensure that McDonald’s interests are represented.

Qualifications:

• The experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a government relations capacity or related field. Knowledge of industry issues including labour, environment employment standards, franchising, food safety, supply management, extended producer responsibility, nutrition, etc.
• The education: Post-secondary education with a focus on Public Policy, Political Science, Business, and/or Marketing.
• Technical skills: Demonstrated experience in policy/legislative processes and political dynamics. Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking capabilities.
• Collaborative and communication skills: Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Ability to engage with a broad range of industry and third-party stakeholders to generate consensus, influence outcomes, and build relationships. Team player with proven ability to build relationships and foster collaboration across functional areas. Knowledge of French is considered an asset.
• Innovative problem-solving skills: Critical thinker with the ability to apply research and analytical skills. A self-starter that can lead files as they present themselves even with little knowledge of the subject beforehand.
• Other: Some travel within Canada will be required.

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.