Department Manager

McDonald's Restaurants Limited; Galena (IL); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance Based Bonus Program.

Paid vacation

Education through Archways to Opportu​

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Short- and Long-Term Disability, life,

Service awards

Job summary

McDonald’s is seeking a Department Manager at a McDonald’s owner operator restaurant in Illinois. The role leads one core department (Guest Service, Kitchen, or People) and coaches shifts, manages staff, and drives department results.

Starting pay is 19.00 per hour with benefits including performance bonuses, vacation, Archways to Opportunity education, medical/dental/vision coverage, disability and life insurance, and recognition awards.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a restaurant department.
• Strong leadership, coaching and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage shifts and department targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned department and shifts to maintain service quality.
• Monitor food safety, inventory, and cost controls.
• Coach and train crew and shift managers.
• Ensure customer service targets are met.

Skills

Leadership

Shift Management

Staff Training

Coaching

Job description

Starting pay 19.00 an hour/Starting

Benefits:

Along with competitive pay, a Shift Manager at a McDonald’s owner operator restaurant is eligible for incredible benefits including:

• Performance Based Bonus Program.
• Paid vacation
• Education through Archways to Opportunity including opportunities to earn a High School degree, college tuition assistance and English classes as a second language
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Short- and Long-Term Disability, life and accident insurance
• Service awards

Description:

Position Overview

The Department Manager role is a senior-level management position responsible for leading one of the core restaurant departments: Guest Service, Kitchen, or People. Department Managers play a critical part in helping the restaurant achieve its goals by leading shifts, managing assigned systems, developing staff, and improving department results.

Department Managers are expected to operate at a high level of leadership, professionalism, and accountability. This position requires a strong understanding of restaurant operations, McDonald’s systems, and the ability to coach, lead, and influence others consistently.

Essential Responsibilities

Department Managers lead in two major areas:

1. Leading Shifts (All Department Managers)

· Ensure every customer receives fast, accurate, friendly service.

· Complete pre-shift checklists, communicate shift targets, and manage from the observation post.

· Conduct travel paths every 30 minutes and adjust crew positioning as needed.

· Coach and train crew and shift managers during the shift.

· Ensure food safety and quality checks are completed.

· Support Shift Leaders during peak times.

· Maintain safe, secure, profitable shifts.

1. Leading Their Assigned Department

Department Managers own and improve their department each week. Responsibilities include:

Guest Service Department Manager

· Ensure exceptional customer experience across Front Counter, Drive-Thru, Curbside, McCafé.

· Ensure promotions, merchandising, and LSM activities are executed properly.

· Train service staff and ensure service procedures are followed.

· Track service metrics such as Speed, Friendliness, and Accuracy.

· Conduct weekly department walk-throughs and implement action plans.

Kitchen Department Manager

· Ensure high food quality, safety, and fast production.

· Monitor and control food cost, inventory processes, and waste.

· Train kitchen staff on production systems, new products, and safety procedures.

· Maintain VCMS/R2D2 charts and ensure processes are followed daily.

· Track key targets like Food Over Base, KVS times, and quality scores.

People Department Manager/People Experience Lead

· Ensure the restaurant hires, trains, and develops a well-prepared team.

· Manage training plans, SOC tracking, and Crew Trainer staffing levels.

· Maintain labor schedules to meet restaurant sales and profit goals.

· Ensure ongoing recognition, motivation, and retention efforts.

· Organize and execute people activities set by the organization or planned by the team.

· Develops listening survey action plans and works with the leadership to gain results.

Other System Responsibilities

(All Department Managers contribute as described in the McDonald’s leadership system.)

· Food Safety: Maintain compliance, complete monthly checklists, support inspections.

· Inventory Management: Support ordering accuracy, stock rotation, and cost control.

· People Practices: Conduct performance reviews, coach team members, support hiring.

· Safety & Security: Lead safety audits, follow up on incidents, maintain secure operations.

· Maintenance: Verify daily/weekly cleaning tasks and planned maintenance tasks.

· Training (Crew & Management): Oversee SOCs, development plans, training completion.

· Business Planning: Track department progress, present results, and build action plans.

Leadership Behaviors

Department Managers are expected to demonstrate McDonald’s leadership behaviors consistently:

· Puts the Customer First – Role models outstanding service every day.

· Supports Change – Encourages and helps others adopt new procedures or systems.

· Influences by Example – Displays a strong work ethic and consistent results.

· Organizes the Work – Delegates effectively and follows up with accountability.

· Plans Beyond the Shift – Uses data, trends, and observations to drive improvement.

· Builds Teamwork – Recognizes team accomplishments and promotes strong collaboration.

· Communicates Effectively & Honestly – Communicates clearly, directly, and professionally.

· Develops Crew & Managers – Coaches others and supports their development plans.

Availability Requirements

Department Managers must maintain open availability, including:

· Ability to work early mornings, days, nights, and closes

· Weekend and holiday availability

· Flexibility to support business needs

· Ability to attend required meetings and trainings

This is a senior management role, and availability expectations are significantly higher than Swing Manager or Floor Supervisor roles.

Qualifications

Candidates for Department Manager must:

· Be in good standing with the Karpinske/Newman Organization.

· Have strong leadership experience and proven performance as a Shift Manager.

· Demonstrate high dependability, professionalism, and strong communication.

· Understand all McDonald’s operational systems and training procedures.

· Be ServSafe or McDonald’s Food Safety Certified.

· Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple priorities and build effective teams.

· Have completed all required shift management training and certifications.

· Display consistent results in departmental performance and leadership metrics.

Performance Reviews & Expectations

Department Manager performance reviews focus on the results of their department, including:

· Service or production targets

· Department-level turnover

· Food safety compliance

· Labor management

· Operational review results

· Training completion and development of staff

· Progress toward weekly/monthly scorecard goals

· Performance reviews may impact:

· Pay rate

· Bonus or incentives (if applicable)

· Advancement opportunities

· Department ownership and responsibilities

· High performance is expected consistently at this level.

Appearance & Policy Expectations

Department Managers must uphold the highest standards, serving as role models for the team:

· Uniform must be clean, complete, and professional.

· Grooming must follow McDonald's food safety and brand standards.

· Must comply with all policies including labor laws, food safety, workplace safety, and organizational rules.