McDonalds

General Manager / GM Trainee ($24-35/hr*)

McDonalds$74K — $96K *
Hospitality & Recreation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of leadership experience in a restaurant, retail, or hospitality setting
  • Completion of McDonald's Leadership courses preferred
  • Strong business acumen and decision-making capabilities
  • Proven ability to lead, coach, and hold teams accountable
  • High energy with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Effective communication and problem-solving skills
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish required

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily operations for service, kitchen, and facilities
  • Recruit, hire, train, and develop a strong leadership team
  • Manage budgets and control costs to drive performance
  • Ensure high standards for food safety, quality, and cleanliness
  • Make strategic decisions on staffing and inventory
  • Foster a positive team culture and accountability

Benefits

  • Comprehensive training and development programs
  • Flexible scheduling based on business needs
  • Paid vacation starting at 2 weeks
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance for employees
  • Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance
  • Employee discounts and free meals
  • Opportunities for leadership development and advancement
  • Supportive people-first culture from local ownership
Full Job Description
Are you ready to lead your own restaurant? Do you want to build a guest-obsessed team and own your results? Consider joining the world's most recognizable brand and taking your career to new heights!

This isn't just a General Manager/Trainee role-it's an opportunity to run your own business within the business and make an impact every day.

At our locally owned McDonald's restaurants, our General Managers lead high-performing teams, drive operational excellence, and create a culture where both people and performance thrive.

About the Role

As a General Manager, you'll lead all aspects of the restaurant, overseeing a team of 50+ employees and developing leaders at every level.

You'll have the autonomy to manage your business while being supported with the tools, structure, and coaching to succeed.
  • Typical schedule: ~45-50 hours/week (5 days)
  • Flexible scheduling based on business needs
  • Combination of days, nights, and weekends-this isn't your typical 9-5!


Pay & Rewards
  • Trainee Pay Grade: $21-$28/hour
  • Certified GM Pay Grade (McD LGR/HU Grad): $26-$40/hour + Overtime Pay (~$74K-$96K annually), based on experience and restaurant volume
  • Monthly, quarterly, and annual bonus opportunities
  • Additional bonuses for strong operational performance
  • Top performers typically earn $100k+ annually!


Perks & Benefits
  • First-class training and development programs
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Paid vacation (starting at 2 weeks)
  • Paid sick leave
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance (employee covered)
  • Tuition reimbursement & educational assistance
  • Leadership development and advancement opportunities
  • Employee discounts & free meals
  • Locally owned & operated-people-first culture


What You'll Do

You'll take full ownership of your restaurant's success:
  • Lead the business: Oversee daily operations across service, kitchen, and facilities
  • Develop people: Recruit, hire, train, and coach a strong leadership team
  • Drive performance: Manage budgets, control costs, and deliver results
  • Ensure excellence: Maintain top standards in food safety, quality, and cleanliness
  • Plan ahead: Make strategic decisions around staffing, inventory, and operations
  • Create culture: Build a positive, high-performing, and accountable team environment


What Success Looks Like
  • Strong guest satisfaction and service performance
  • High-performing, engaged team and leadership bench
  • Consistent execution of operational standards
  • Profitability and cost control aligned with targets


Who We're Looking For
  • Proven leadership experience (restaurant, retail, or hospitality preferred)
  • McDonald's Leadership courses (preferred)
  • Strong business acumen and decision-making skills
  • Ability to lead, coach, and hold teams accountable
  • High energy and comfort in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) is required


More Than a Role-A Career

This is a true leadership position with a clear path to multi-unit leadership and beyond.

You'll have the support, structure, and autonomy to build something you're proud of.

Additional Information

This posting provides a general overview of the role. General Managers perform a variety of responsibilities that may not all be listed here.

This restaurant is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. All employment decisions are made by the franchisee, not McDonald's USA. Your application will be submitted directly to the franchise organization.

About McDonalds

McDonald's Careers

Join the vibrant team at McDonald's, a global leader in the fast-food industry, and be part of a company known for its exceptional culture and commitment to innovation and leadership. At McDonald's, we offer a range of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal place to jumpstart or advance your career. Work You'll Do At McDonald's, every position is an opportunity to grow. Whether you're looking for an entry-level role or a managerial position, you'll find that McDonald's supports your career ambitions with robust training programs and growth opportunities. Our team is dedicated to helping you develop the leadership and professional skills necessary for success in any endeavor. Join our diverse team and contribute to a culture that values innovation, leadership, and diversity. McDonald's is not just a workplace but a community where you can thrive professionally and personally. McDonald's Employment Benefits Choose a career at McDonald's and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that supports both your professional and personal life. From competitive salaries and health benefits to employee discounts and flexible schedules, McDonald's is committed to the well-being of our team members. We also offer exclusive leadership and diversity training programs that empower our employees to take on new challenges and lead with confidence. Internship Opportunities Kickstart your career with a McDonald's internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and a chance to develop essential skills in a supportive environment. Interns at McDonald's work on real projects, learn from industry leaders, and gain exposure to the operational excellence that drives our global success. Innovation at McDonald's At the heart of McDonald's culture is a drive for innovation. We continuously seek innovative solutions to enhance the dining experience of our customers and improve our operational efficiencies. By joining our team, you'll collaborate on exciting projects that push the boundaries of what's possible in the fast-food industry. Networking and Professional Development McDonald's encourages professional development and networking through various initiatives and platforms. Connect with colleagues, mentors, and industry leaders who can help you navigate your career path and achieve your professional goals. Our commitment to career development is reflected in our ongoing training programs and our proactive approach to internal promotions and hiring. Join Our Team Explore the job opportunities at McDonald's and find the position that matches your skills and interests. We are hiring creative, curious, and motivated individuals who are ready to contribute to our dynamic team. Check out our open positions and apply today to take the first step towards a rewarding career at McDonald's. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, company news, and industry insights—all from the people who work here at McDonald's. Subscribe to our careers blog and personalize your experience to receive updates that align with your career interests. McDonald's is more than just a company—it's a place where you can make a difference. Join us and help shape the future of the fast-food industry while building a career that you can be proud of.
Learn more about McDonalds
Size
200,000 employees
Market Cap
$194.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4.7 billion
Founded
1955
5 Year Trend
-1.2%
Revenue
$19.2 billion
NASDAQ

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