Senior Counsel, Global Compliance & Safety Practice Group
Let's be part of something together
-
LegalLondon, United Kingdom, N2 8AWEmployeeCompetitive
Apply Overview
About Us
McDonalds 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. McDonalds is one of the UKs largest private sector employers, employing over 170,000 people.
Job OverviewThis role supports the ongoing implementation and advancement of McDonald's Global Compliance Program, with a particular focus on International Operated Markets (IOM) in Europe. The position serves as a trusted advisor on compliance and ethics matters, leads complex investigations, designs and conducts compliance risk assessments, provides guidance on anti-corruption and sanctions compliance, and partners with market and functional leads to strengthen compliance culture and risk management practices across multiple jurisdictions.
DutiesCompliance Investigations & Risk Assessment
- Lead and oversee complex compliance investigations involving alleged violations of the McDonald’s Standards of Business Conduct and other compliance-related concerns.
- Conduct compliance reviews and market risk assessments to identify, assess and manage compliance risks with potential legal, financial, operational or reputational impact to McDonald's.
- Develop and oversee mitigation strategies designed to address identified compliance risks and strengthen the overall control environment.
- Monitor emerging compliance risks, enforcement trends, and regulatory developments, and provide recommendations to strengthen compliance controls and program effectiveness.
- Manage outside counsel, consultants, and other third-party advisors, as appropriate.
Compliance Counseling & Legal Advice
- Provide legal counsel and practical guidance to market, segment and business functions on a broad range of compliance matters, particularly in the areas of anti-corruption, sanctions compliance, conflicts of interest, and third-party risk management.
- Advise on compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), UK Bribery Act, sanctions regulations, and other relevant legal requirements.
- Partner with Legal and business stakeholders to develop practical, risk-based solutions that support business objectives while maintaining compliance standards.
Compliance Engagement & Strategic Partnership
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with market, segment and global functions, and business stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
- Plan and conduct compliance market and stakeholder engagement, training sessions, and other compliance initiatives tailored to diverse stakeholder groups to promote and strengthen McDonald's culture of compliance and integrity.
Collaborate effectively with markets and global functions to develop, enhance, and communicate compliance policies, procedures, standards, directives, and guidance in One McDonald’s Way.
QualificationsKEY REQUIREMENTS
- Qualified attorney in good standing with a license to practice law in the UK or EU jurisdiction.
- 8+ years of relevant legal and compliance experience.
- Experience with complex compliance investigations, preferably in the anti-corruption space.
- General knowledge of and experience with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), UK Bribery Act, OFAC/sanctions regulations, and related compliance frameworks.
- International market experience and strong cross-cultural acumen required.
- Prior in-house legal experience preferred.
- Travel internationally as required.
DESIRED SKILLS
- Unquestionable integrity and sound judgment.
- Strong investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and influencing skills.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and able to operate independently in a fast-paced global environment across different time zones.
- Proficiency in multiple languages is highly desirable.
At McDonald's, we are People from all Walks of Life...
Company Vision and Culture
Our Global vision is to build a better McDonalds and in the UK and Ireland we are working hard to be the UK & Irelands best-loved restaurant company.
McDonalds 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 McDonalds we are People from all Walks of Life...
People are at the heart of everything we do, and they make the McDonalds 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 McDonalds or elsewhere.
Benefits
perksHybrid Working
Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.wellnessPrivate Medical Care
Corporate employees receive private medical care, either immediately or following 6 months service depending on your role.perksHoliday Allowance
Full-time office employees receive 28 days paid holiday annually, plus 2 months sabbatical per every 10 years’ service.wellnessWellness Benefits
Your wellbeing matters. Enjoy access to wellbeing resources, mental health support, and initiatives designed to help you feel your best – in and out of work.perksPension & Life Assurance
Access our stakeholder pension scheme alongside Life Assurance cover if you contribute a minimum of 3%.perksCareer Growth
We highly value talent and believe in helping our people grow. We support career progression through mentorship, training and leadership development opportunities.wellnessValues Heroes
We live by our values and we reward those who demonstrate their commitment to them.perksPerformance Reviews & Bonus
Your performance will be reviewed formally every 6 months and pay is reviewed annually based on performance. There is also potential to receive an annual bonus each year.perksMeals at Work
You can choose food from our restaurant menu on your break and can even try the latest promotions.recognitionLength of service
Your length of service doesn’t go unnoticed – we reward you with monetary benefits for long service.perksPay & Perks
Receive competitive pay and a range of exclusive perks, including employee discounts and an on-site gym at our Head Office.perksEmployee Discounts
Benefit from our generous employee discount scheme, covering a range of retailers and services across the UK.perksSummer Fridays
Summer Fridays allow our Corporate Careers teams to finish early, every Friday, during the summer months.Senior Counsel, Global Compliance & Safety Practice Group
- Location:
- London, United Kingdom, N2 8AW
- Contract Type:
- Employee
- Department/Role:
- Legal
- Pay:
- Competitive
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from the recruitment process?
The recruitment process differs for each role. If we think you’re a good fit, we’ll invite you to a competency based interview and then onto a second interview usually with an associated task to complete or present.
What are the pay rates at McDonald’s?
Our pay rates differ from role to role, but we always ensure that these rates remain competitive. Alongside this, we also offer a wide range of benefits including holiday and sick pay, and employee discounts that offer savings at over 1,600 retailers.
Does McDonald's offer flexible working?
Enjoy the flexibility of our hybrid working model with 3 days in the office to foster collaborative team environment and 2 days remote to support work/ life balance.
What documents should I provide as proof of eligibility to work?
Before we can employ you, we are required to verify your eligibility to work in the UK & Ireland. You’ll need to provide acceptable original documents such as a valid passport or a valid UK/Ireland visa (with a college letter listing term dates, where applicable). Only original documents will be accepted.
How do I apply for a vacancy at McDonald’s head office?
Either click on the 'Job search' page or the ‘Job search’ button on the page of the vacancy you’re interested in. Then select the role that suits you, and complete an online application form.
How much holiday am I entitled to?
All full-time members of the Head Office team get 28 days paid holiday as well as bank holidays on top. For part-time workers, holiday will be determined on a pro-rata basis.
What do I wear in the office?
At our Head Office, we have a Dress for your Day Policy - the bottom line is that we want you to be empowered to make the decisions that meet the needs of your day.
I have a disability, what support can I get with my McDonald's job application?
During the application process, you can request for any reasonable adjustments to be made so you can find the right support needed during the application and onwards.
I want my pronouns to be known if I get this role, is this possible?
Yes. When you work in Head Office, you’ll receive a company email address and will easily be able to include your desired pronouns in the signature.
Can I get individual feedback on my application or interview?
Due to the high level of applications we receive not everyone will receive individual feedback. This depends on where you are in our process and this could potentially be written or over the phone.
Are there any wellbeing services I can access?
Yes! McDonald’s has a wellbeing hub on the staff website and our colleagues have access to the Employee Assistant Programme (EAP), which is run by AXA health care, offering a variety of services.
Is there opportunity for progression at McDonald’s?
Definitely. We highly value talent and always aim to encourage employees to remain within our business. To put it into perspective, half of our Executive Team started their career in restaurants. At McDonald’s, there are no limits to how far or fast you can progress.
Explore more