Sr Director, Tax Strategy

McDonald's Corporation • Chicago, IL

12d • $237,102 - $296,377

About The Position

The Senior Director, Global Tax Strategy is a highly visible leader responsible for defining and advancing McDonald’s global tax strategy. The role provides strategic direction across global tax planning, transfer pricing, tax controversy, and audits, while contributing to the broader Global Tax functional strategy and translating enterprise priorities into executable plans for the Global Tax Strategy team.

The position serves as a trusted advisor to global Finance and business colleagues, turning complex tax considerations into clear business implications and actionable recommendations. It partners with senior stakeholders on cross-border planning, operating models, financing, transactions, structural changes, and business initiatives. The leader also oversees significant tax disputes, audits, and engagement with tax authorities across jurisdictions; directs external advisors and legal counsel; and monitors legislative, regulatory, and enforcement developments.

The role promotes sound governance, documentation, transparency, and timely decision-making. It leads and develops a high-performing, diverse global team, including 2–3 direct reports and multiple teams, and reports directly to the VP of Tax.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, law, or a tax-related field.
• 15+ years of diverse tax experience in a fast-paced global environment.
• At least 5 years of experience with a Big Four accounting firm.
• A minimum of 3 years in an in-house corporate tax role.
• Deep expertise in U.S. international taxation, global tax principles, and transfer pricing.
• Experience supporting cross-border planning and controversy matters.
• Significant experience supporting business combinations, restructurings, and strategic business initiatives.
• Demonstrated success leading, managing, developing, and motivating high-performing, diverse talent.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s in Tax, LL.M., J.D., CPA, or a comparable advanced degree or professional credential.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead a forward-looking global tax strategy aligned with the Company’s business model, growth agenda, and Finance priorities.
• Contribute to the broader Global Tax functional strategy and translate priorities into operational plans.
• Partner with senior business and Finance leaders, providing practical advice that considers tax, financial, operational, and reputational factors.
• Develop and lead cross-border tax planning to enhance tax efficiency, manage risk, and enable global business priorities.
• Provide strategic tax guidance on operating models, financing, transactions, and structural changes in partnership with enterprise stakeholders.
• Direct strategic and operational transfer pricing, ensuring business changes and cross-border operating models are holistically evaluated and effectively implemented.
• Lead significant tax disputes, audits, and tax authority engagement across jurisdictions.
• Establish disciplined tax positions, negotiation strategies, and escalation paths that protect the Company’s interests and support constructive relationships with tax authorities.
• Direct external advisors, legal counsel, and other specialists.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and enforcement developments and translate emerging issues into business implications.
• Provide clear recommendations on complex matters, articulate alternatives and trade-offs, and support timely decisions under shifting priorities.
• Promote appropriate governance, documentation, and transparency.
• Lead and develop a high-performing, diverse global team, including 2–3 direct reports and multiple teams.
• Set clear accountabilities, build technical and leadership capability, strengthen succession pipelines, and foster an inclusive, collaborative culture.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• Bonus eligibility based on individual and company performance.
• Eligibility for stock or other equity grants under the long-term incentive plan.
• Sabbatical program.
• Tuition assistance.
• Flexible work arrangements.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior