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
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Ensure exceptional customer experiences in the dining room, drive-thru, and front counter
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Lead sales promotions and service training
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Motivate staff to deliver fast, friendly service
Kitchen Operations
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Deliver quality, food safety, and speed in every meal
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Monitor and control food costs
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Train kitchen team on prep procedures and new menu items
People & Staffing
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Recruit, train, and schedule qualified crew
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Support employee development and performance
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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:
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Previous leadership experience in restaurants, retail, or hospitality
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Strong communication and problem-solving skills
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Ability to inspire, organize, and hold teams accountable
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Must be 18+ and available for a flexible schedule
Benefits You’ll Love:
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Competitive pay starting at $18–$20/hr
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Up to 15 days paid vacation
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401(k) with 4% company match
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance
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Short- and long-term disability, life & accident coverage
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Paid leaves of absence
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Free meals during shifts
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World-class training & career development
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Education assistance via Archways to Opportunity
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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.
