Department Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.
2. 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.