McDonalds

Sr Director, Enterprise Architecture

McDonalds$219K — $274K *
Enterprise Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in business, computer science, engineering, or related field.
  • 15+ years in technology with 8+ years in senior leadership focusing on enterprise architecture.
  • Proven experience in large-scale digital transformation and cloud migrations.
  • Multidisciplinary expertise in Business Architecture, Cloud Platforms, or Data Engineering.
  • Exceptional leadership skills to influence and navigate complex global structures.

Responsibilities

  • Lead enterprise architecture practice and represent it in executive discussions.
  • Ensure architecture governance aligns with business standards and promotes collaboration.
  • Mature EA into a responsive internal consultancy focused on stakeholders' needs.
  • Develop and communicate the vision and strategy for the EA function.
  • Manage EA resources efficiently while ensuring compliance and governance.
  • Coach and develop the EA team to enhance both technical and soft skills.
  • Mentor potential future leaders within the organization.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Life insurance and mental health support included in health benefits.
  • Eligibility for performance-based bonuses and long-term incentives.
  • Equity grants available through the long-term incentive plan.
Full Job Description
Department Overview

The Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture helps guide the enterprise, proactively and holistically, through transformation and optimization initiatives, supporting the formulation and realization of digital and technology strategy and driving innovation opportunities. The scope of activities includes enabling the organization to achieve targeted business outcomes that support enterprise and C-suite priorities for growing revenue, optimizing costs and mitigating risks. They focus on building relationships with business and IT stakeholders, communicating the value of enterprise architecture (EA) and the services it offers, ensuring ongoing satisfaction with EA services and performance, and shaping and guiding the delivery of EA's services.

As the Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture, you will shape the future technology landscape of a global brand. You will lead a high-performing team of enterprise architects to mature the EA practice into a highly collaborative, agile, internal consultancy.

This role requires a visionary leader who can operate comfortably at the intersection of business strategy and deep technical execution. You will establish a clear, modern EA vision that empowers engineering teams, simplifies complex legacy ecosystems, and ensures our technology foundations are resilient, scalable, and cost-efficient.

Duties

Lead Enterprise Architecture Practice
  • Represent the architecture function in executive-level discussions, translating technical strategy into business value and risk implications.
  • Lead the enterprise-wide architecture governance to ensure the alignment to McDonald's tech standards and target states while driving cross-functional collaboration.
  • Mature EA into an internal consultancy offering agile, stakeholder-aligned services.
  • Set the vision, strategy and roadmap for the enterprise architecture function, in alignment with relevant stakeholders.
  • Manage EA resources (e.g., budget, including tooling, training, and staffing investments), and ensure governance and compliance.
  • Provide coaching to develop a skilled EA team, fostering both technical depth / subject matter expertise, and soft skills (behavioral competencies) necessary to influence without direct authority
  • Mentor and develop future leaders within the organization, creating pathways for internal growth
  • Identify and develop future leaders in the organization, creating pathways for internal growth.
  • Build a culture of accountability, setting clear expectations and empowering team members to make sound decisions independently.

Shape and Guide Business Strategy
  • Analyze market trends, disruptive forces, and financial levers to inform strategy.
  • Develop future- and current-state models to support strategic decision-making.

Bridge Strategy and Execution
  • Align business and IT through technology-enabled business models and roadmaps.
  • Address execution challenges while balancing innovation and growth.

Drive Innovation and Emerging Technology Adoption
  • Identify and assess disruptive technologies and innovation opportunities.
  • Provide actionable insights and manage innovation execution using agile methods.

Strengthen Business Engagement
  • Act as a trusted advisor to business leaders on technology investments.
  • Develop consumable, timely architecture guidance to support strategic decisions.
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment.

Emerging Tech & AI Adoption
  • Lead the evalutation and strategic adoption of disruptive technologies, including Generative AI, machine learning, and advanced data paradigms. Establish safe, ethical, and scalable frameworks for AI implementation.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or master's degree in business, computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, system analysis or a related field of study, or equivalent experience.
  • Professional Experience:
    • 15+ years of progressive technology experience, with at least 8+ years in a senior leadership role guiding enterprise-level architecture, strategic planning, or platform engineering in a global, highly distributed environment.
    • Proven track record of successfully driving large-scale digital transformation, legacy modernization, or cloud migration initiatives.
  • Technical Depth:
    • Multidisciplinary experience spanning at least three key areas: Business/Enterprise Architecture, Solution/Technical Architecture, Cloud Platforms (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS), Data/Analytics Engineering, or DevSecOps.
    • Hands-on familiarity with modern tech stacks, API-led connectivity, microservices architectures, and data mesh principles.
  • Leadership & Influence: Outstanding capability to lead, inspire, and influence without direct authority. Proven success in navigating highly matrixed, global organizational structures with multiple regional and franchise stakeholders..


Compensation

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Long - Term Incentive: Yes

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Salary Range

The expected salary range for this role is $219,522-$274,403 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.

Additional Information:

Benefits eligible: This 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.

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.

Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.

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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