Sr Director, Global Technology Strategy & Planning

McDonald's • Chicago, IL

136d • $193,000 - $251,000

About The Position

The Senior Director, Global Technology Strategy & Performance will report to the VP, Global Technology Strategy & Planning and serve as a strategic partner to the Global CIO and Global Technology leadership team. This role is responsible for shaping long-term technology strategy, aligning with enterprise planning, driving performance management (KPIs, OKRs, metrics), and leading executive-level communications and business reviews. The role requires a strong presence, analytical rigor, and the ability to translate complex strategies into compelling narratives for senior stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree in Business, Technology, or related field preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in technology strategy, performance management, or enterprise planning roles.
• Proven track record of leading strategic planning and performance management in a global, matrixed organization.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with experience preparing materials for C-level audiences.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and influencing without authority.
• Strong organizational skills to manage deadlines, communicate strategy, and ensure readiness for strategic objectives.
• Structured and methodical, yet adaptable to changing needs and innovation.
• Experience working across diverse teams and enabling change.
• Deep understanding of technology trends, digital transformation, and innovation frameworks.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in complex environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word), Smartsheet, and performance dashboards.
• Comfortable working across global, hybrid, and virtual teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the QSR industry.
• Familiarity with the McDonald's business model and global market dynamics.
• Experience working with external consultants and managing strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of long-range strategic plans in partnership with the Global CIO and Strategy & Planning teams.
• Drive the performance management agenda across Global Technology, including the definition, tracking, and reporting of KPIs, OKRs, and other success metrics.
• Serve as the architect and facilitator of Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs), ensuring alignment, accountability, and visibility across the organization.
• Build and deliver high-impact executive presentations and strategic narratives for senior leadership forums, board updates, and global CIO communications.
• Partner with Finance, HR, and Strategy teams to ensure strategic initiatives are resourced, sequenced, and measured effectively.
• Lead a team of strategy and performance professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain strategic operating rhythms, including annual planning, mid-year reviews, and strategic offsites.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive benchmarks, and emerging technologies to inform strategic direction and innovation opportunities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing insights and recommendations that shape enterprise-wide technology decisions.
• Ensure alignment between strategic priorities and operational execution through close collaboration with Operations Excellence, Product, and Engineering teams.
• Lead a high performing team of directors and managers - provide strategic vision for the department while also balancing near-term deliverables.
• Ensure professional development, performance management, and succession planning activities to build and retain a high-performing team.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture that aligns with the organization's values and mission.

Benefits

• Health and welfare benefits.
• 401(k) plan.
• Adoption assistance program.
• Educational assistance program.
• Flexible ways of working.
• Time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO).
• Bonus eligibility based on individual and company performance.
• Long-term incentive eligibility for stock or other equity grants.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Food Services and Drinking Places
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree