Director, Global Security

The Security Executive Council; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 168,212 - 210,265; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Educational assistance program

Flexible ways of working

Job summary

McDonald’s is seeking a Director, Global Intelligence & Investigations in Chicago, IL. This role involves leading global intelligence collection and managing complex investigations to strengthen security posture. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in threat intelligence and geopolitical analysis, alongside strong communication skills.

They will also monitor geopolitical threats and support executive protection activities. The position offers a competitive salary range of $168,212 to $210,265 per year, health benefits, and bonus opportunities.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of experience in threat intelligence or security risk management.
• 5+ years leading complex investigations.
• Strong knowledge of OSINT techniques and investigative tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead global intelligence collection and analysis.
• Monitor geopolitical and insider threats.
• Direct complex threat and insider risk investigations.

Skills

Threat intelligence

Geopolitical analysis

Investigative techniques

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

OSINT techniques

Investigative platforms

Job description

About the job

McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. We continue to operate from a position of strength. Our updated growth strategy is focused on staying ahead of what our customers want and realizing further growth potential. Our relentless ambition is why McDonald’s remains one of the world’s leading corporations after almost 70 years. Joining McDonald’s means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world.

At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer a broad range of outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements.

Department Overview

At McDonald’s, protecting our people, facilities, and operations worldwide matters. As Director, Global Intelligence & Investigations, you will lead the company’s enterprise intelligence and threat investigative function, delivering actionable insights, directing complex investigations, and strengthening our global security posture.

This role is the central authority for intelligence‑led threat management, geopolitical analysis, insider risk, and physical security investigations. You will translate complex global risk information into clear guidance for senior leaders while building scalable intelligence capabilities that support global security operations and programs across the company on a global scale.

Duties

What You’ll Do

• Lead global intelligence collection and analysis across open source, social media, web‑based, and publicly available data.
• Monitor geopolitical, physical, and insider threats impacting executives, personnel, facilities, events, and operations.
• Direct complex threat, persons of interest (POI), and insider risk investigations using enterprise investigative platforms and OSINT techniques.
• Deliver concise threat assessments, advisories, and executive‑level briefings that inform decision making and protective operations.
• Support executive protection, Board of Directors’ activities, high‑risk events, crisis response, and the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC).
• Lead and develop a team of intelligence and investigative professionals, fostering high performance and accountability.
• Establish standards, methodologies, and protocols for intelligence collection, analysis, dissemination, and investigations.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external entities (law enforcement, government, industry peers) to enhance threat response.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 8–12+ years of progressive experience in threat intelligence, geopolitical analysis, investigations, or security risk management within corporate security, law enforcement, military, or government environments.
• 5+ years leading complex investigations, including threat management, insider risk, or protective intelligence.
• Experience operating globally and supporting intelligence programs across multiple regions.
• Strong working knowledge of OSINT techniques, investigative tools, and the intelligence lifecycle.
• Proven ability to operate in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive‑level briefings.
• U.S. Citizenship required; must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Preferred:

• Federal law enforcement or national intelligence experience.
• Private sector experience scaling enterprise intelligence and threat programs.
• Familiarity with investigative and alerting platforms such as Ontic or Dataminr (training provided).

Compensation

Salary Range: The expected salary range for this role is $168,212.00 - $210,265.00 per year. The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience and other job‑related factors.

The position offers health and welfare benefits, including but not limited to comprehensive health insurance, which includes medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as life insurance.

Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, adoption assistance program, educational assistance program, flexible ways of working, and time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO). Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment.

Bonus eligible: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.

Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long‑term incentive plan.