Director, Global Menu
About The Position
The Director, Global Menu will contribute to the development and execution of McDonald’s global beverage and desserts category strategy. The role leads innovation to optimize the beverage and dessert portfolio in response to current and future customer needs, oversees a team of menu innovation professionals, and partners with internal teams and suppliers to deliver end-to-end product innovation. It provides insights to inform strategic decisions about the category’s future product portfolio and drives the resulting strategic development plan. The position calls for a beverage expert who can translate strategic vision into compelling, consumer-relevant products through supplier collaboration and knowledge of menu innovation processes. The director will work in whitespace, bring a creative and forward-thinking approach to product development, and navigate a fast-paced, globally oriented, multifaceted environment. The role provides strategic menu guidance and support to the VP, Beverage & Desserts Category Lead.
Requirements
- 8–10 years of experience in beverage and/or liquid product development.
- Experience in food product innovation, menu development, or category management.
- Deep beverage expertise, including knowledge of product forms, preparation methods, and consumer preferences.
- Ability to work across both the strategic and technical aspects of menu innovation.
- A consistent record of leading innovation pipelines from concept through commercialization, including product line extensions and whitespace development.
- Strong analytical abilities, including experience with portfolio strategy, performance analysis, and consumer and concept testing data.
- Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and influencing skills, including the ability to work in a matrixed environment and translate consumer needs into product strategies.
- A degree in Food Science, Culinary, or equivalent, and commercialization experience.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in a global or multi-market environment.
- Extensive knowledge of and relationships with suppliers and the culinary community.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic menu guidance and support to the VP, Beverage & Desserts Category Lead across global initiatives.
- Lead innovation and category management, including portfolio optimization.
- Ensure a robust pipeline of commercially viable concepts.
- Manage core product line extensions, including feasibility checks and development coordination.
- Use Menu Architecture and other research to identify new opportunities.
- Identify and develop whitespace opportunities to expand the menu and meet emerging consumer demands.
- Define consumer needs and key product attributes, translating functional and emotional benefits into product narratives and brand/product books.
- Own product and ingredient specification development in collaboration with cross-functional partners.
- Ensure global compatibility of ingredient application across food and beverage for system scaling, while meeting individual markets’ regulatory requirements.
- Lead concept development and testing, including supplier briefs and alignment with culinary, operations, and supply chain teams.
- Synthesize concept testing findings and guide prioritization based on consumer, operational, and business impact.
- Provide ongoing market support and respond to in-market needs.
- Oversee a team of menu innovation professionals.
Benefits
- Health and welfare benefits, including medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Life insurance.
- 401(k) plan.
- Adoption assistance.
- Educational assistance.
- Flexible ways of working.
- Time-off policies, including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO.
- Sabbatical program.
- Bonus eligibility.
- Long-term incentive eligibility.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
