Senior Internal Communications and Engagement Officer

Company Description

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
This role is based in our East Finchley office working 3 days in the office and 2 days remotely.

Job Description

The Opportunity 
Internal Communications - part of the Impact team - is predominantly led by a small in-house team that is responsible for existing communication channels - including written updates, conference calls, town halls, roadshows, large scale annual events – and the development of new digital channels for multiple audiences.

The team also provide support and strategic counsel to the UK&I business on projects and business priorities, and supports the business through collaboration and engagement helping to ‘join the dots’ and break down silos.

The function works closely with teams throughout the business - in particular National Operations, Franchising, People & Reputation Teams and Marketing - to drive employee engagement through innovative and creative campaigns. Focus is on:

• Building trust, confidence and belief in the Leadership Team and company vision, purpose and strategy. Our people play a pivotal role in crafting the customer experience and external reputation; their trust, belief and advocacy is important.
• Promoting, articulating and championing the Impact function and building respect for its contribution and value.
• Translating campaigns and projects into creative communications that resonate with our audiences – and deliver successful business outcomes.

What will my accountabilities be?
You will help implement and drive the internal strategy, and support plans and campaigns to engage employees by:

• Leading on key business channels for all internal audiences (Franchisees, Restaurant Managers, Restaurant Employees and Office), writing and editing content as required
• Lead emergency communication across the business as required.
• Build key communications that reflect and support the business narrative, and which are aligned with the rest of the function.
• Support communication channels for the CEO and Leadership Team, e.g. Town Halls, Exec/Franchisee Roadshows and CEO Communications.
• Play a key role in the annual business conference (AGM), executing a robust communications plan and providing logistical support.
• Build and be a phenomenal partner with the wider team (Public Affairs, Corporate Affairs and PR) and business (People, Marketing, National Operations, Supply Chain and Marketing).
• Conducts ongoing reviews of all internal communications including online and offline channels to ensure a robust and effective framework for two-way communication.
• Lead internal communications role in ‘Cross Functional Teams’ (CFT) for projects and initiatives, taking the lead for the whole CFT on occasion. 
• Provide consultation and training on effective internal communication
• Lead on deployment and embedding of new digital employee engagement channel, including management of the content calendar and leading on ‘Market best practice sharing’ in Global meetings.
• Lead engagement campaigns across key and business-wide projects and deployments, partnering with senior stakeholders.
• Management of agency partners in the development and execution of campaigns and content throughout the year.
• Work in partnership with the Head of Internal Communications and IC Manager – providing both support and 360-degree feedback.  
• Coach and lead less experienced team member(s) on high profile projects and deployments.

What Team will I be a part of?

Reporting to the Head of Internal Communications, this is an exciting opportunity to work within team to provide effective communication to help colleagues do their job, feel part of the business and act as advocates for the brand.

Who are my customers?
We have a number of internal audiences, including Company colleagues, Franchisees, Restaurant Teams and suppliers.

Qualifications

What background do I need to have?

• 3+ years’ internal communications experience; Understanding of how communications can impact employees and influence their behaviours (and therefore the strengths and limitations of different channels and methodologies).
• Knowledge of the range and variety of communications channels, platforms and processes to ensure effective and timely communication and engagement.
• A validated ability to deliver internal communication solutions that contribute to improving business performance;
• Excellent inter-personal skills with the ability to build good relationships across businesses, functions and geographies. Expertise in leading internal partners and experience of how to work and influence senior management.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to lead and work to tight deadlines.
• Basic understanding of OD, communications psychology and people motivation.
• Good knowledge of research and measurement techniques.
• Creative judgement, with ability to implement campaigns and activities that cut through.
• Knowledge of internal and external social media and the latest channels/platforms and how social media can be used to improve engagement, collaboration and advocacy.
• Displays good judgement that builds trust in credibility as a discipline guide.

Additional Information

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