Head of New Build Construction

About Us

McDonald’s has run its business in the UK since 1974 and currently operates over 1500 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, serving almost four million customers each day. McDonald’s is one of the UK’s largest private sector employers, employing over 170,000 people.

Hybrid Working

UK & Ireland – hybrid (mix of remote & field based) 

Job Title: Head of New Build Construction
Location: UK & Ireland (hybrid working)

This is an exciting opportunity to lead McDonald’s UK & Ireland’s New Build Construction team, driving the development and delivery of new restaurant. As Head of New Build Construction, you’ll oversee high-profile builds, manage a team of senior project managers, and work with franchisees, developers, and supply chain partners to ensure best-in-class execution.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead and mentor the New Build Team, developing and managing senior project managers.
• Oversee end-to-end construction delivery, from site evaluation to final project handover.
• Optimise supply chain performance, ensuring efficiency and quality in construction projects.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including franchisees, developers, and corporate leadership.
• Ensure compliance with planning laws, health & safety standards, and McDonald’s policies.
• Drive continuous improvement, enhancing processes and construction capabilities.

What we are looking for:

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with a focus on development and succession planning.
• 10+ years of project management experience in new builds or commercial fit-outs.
• Industry experience in restaurants, retail, hospitality, or leisure.
• Membership in RICS, CIOB, or APM (essential).
• Expert financial management and budgeting for large-scale construction projects.
• Exceptional negotiation and stakeholder engagement abilities.

What You’ll Get:

• Shape the future of McDonald’s expansion across the UK & Ireland.
• Competitive salary + bonus + benefits, including private healthcare, free lunch, gym access.
• Hybrid working for flexibility and collaboration.
• Industry-leading training & career growth opportunities

Company Vision and Culture…

Our Global vision is to build a better McDonald’s and in the UK and Ireland we are working hard to be the UK & Irelands best-loved restaurant company.

McDonald’s is defined by its culture. Our culture shapes and informs everything we think and everything we do. Our culture influences the way we interact with each other, and how we interact with customers, franchisees and suppliers. Our culture motivates and inspires us to attract and retain great talent, creating positive, energising, exceptional working environment for us all.

Our values drive our culture and shape our beliefs, our priorities and our actions. They influence the decisions we make, how we treat one another and how we show up as a brand to the world.

Serve: We put our customers and our people first
Inclusion: We open our doors to everyone
Integrity: We do the right thing
Community: We are good neighbours
Family: We get better together

At McDonald’s we are People from all Walks of Life... 

People are at the heart of everything we do, and they make the McDonald’s experience. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture that means people can be their best authentic self in our restaurants and offices, which helps us to better serve our customers. We have a strong heritage of diversity and representation within our communities, which we are proud of. The diversity of our people, customers, Franchisees and suppliers gives us strength.

We do not tolerate inequality, injustice or discrimination of any kind.  These are hugely important issues and a brand with our reach and relevance means we have a very meaningful role to play.

We also recognise our responsibility as a large employer to continue being active in our communities, helping to develop skills and drive aspirations that will help people to be more aware of the world of work and more successful within it, whether with McDonald’s or elsewhere.”

#LI-Hybrid