Executive Assistant

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  • People
  • London, United Kingdom, N2 8AW
  • Employee
  • Competitive

Overview

Company Description
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. As the global leader in the food service industry, our legacy of innovation and hard work continues to drive us.
From drive thru updates to delivery to mobile order and pay, we are innovating quickly and growing. Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world.
 

Department Overview

At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centred on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House Charities 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.

We are looking for a highly capable Executive Assistant to provide strategic, proactive and confidential support to Paul Goldsmith, SVP Supply Chain, based in East Finchley.

This role will operate as a trusted partner to Paul, helping to manage priorities, protect leadership time and enable effective decision-making across a complex global Supply Chain environment.

The Executive Assistant may also support Paul’s direct leadership team and wider Supply Chain senior leadership activity where required, ensuring seamless coordination, sound judgement and high-quality execution.

Duties

Executive support and prioritisation

  • Manage complex and fast-moving senior leadership calendars, balancing priorities, protecting executive time and anticipating conflicts before they arise.
  • Provide proactive administrative and operational support that enables the SVP Supply Chain and leadership team to focus on critical business priorities.
  • Prepare updates, track actions and support follow-through on key Supply Chain priorities, projects and leadership activities.

Stakeholder management and global coordination

  • Act as a key point of contact across international offices, senior stakeholders and EA networks, building trusted relationships and enabling smooth communication.
  • Liaise extensively with senior leadership EAs and cross-functional partners to coordinate priorities, schedules, meetings and business activities.
  • Use sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential, sensitive or time-critical matters.

Meeting governance and operational delivery

  • Organise and schedule meetings, including room or venue booking, refreshments, dietary requirements and appropriate technology support.
  • Prepare and distribute agendas, papers, information packs and follow-up materials to support effective meeting outcomes.
  • Coordinate detailed and complex travel arrangements, including logistics, itineraries and international requirements.
  • Support legal paperwork signatories, timely expense submissions and special projects as required.
Qualifications

Skills & Experience 

The ideal candidate will bring the following experience, skills and attributes:

  • Solution orientated: Works at pace, anticipates leadership needs and brings practical recommendations to solve issues before they escalate.
  • Relationship builder: Builds trusted relationships with senior leaders, peers and cross-functional stakeholders, recognising the value of in-person collaboration.
  • Exercises sound judgement: Adapts quickly to changing situations, manages ambiguity and makes confident decisions within agreed boundaries.
  • High levels of integrity: Handles confidential and sensitive information with absolute discretion and professionalism.
  • Strong organisational skills: Balances conflicting priorities, manages multiple workstreams and maintains attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills: Demonstrates the gravitas to engage, influence and communicate clearly with a broad range of senior stakeholders.
  • Tenacious and resilient: Brings a proactive attitude, growth mindset and the confidence to operate with autonomy and solve problems independently.
  • Highly resourceful team player: Collaborates effectively while remaining resourceful, organised and calm under pressure.
  • Strong technology aptitude: Demonstrates advanced Microsoft Office skills, experience with Concur and the ability to quickly adopt technology that supports better business outcomes.

This is an opportunity for a high-calibre Executive Assistant to operate as a trusted partner within a global Supply Chain leadership environment, where discretion, judgement and proactive execution are essential.

Additional information
At McDonalds we are People from all Walks of Life...

People are at the heart of everything we do, and they make the McDonalds experience. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture that means people can be their best authentic self in our restaurants and offices, which helps us to better serve our customers. We have a strong heritage of diversity and representation within our communities, which we are proud of. The diversity of our people, customers, Franchisees, and suppliers gives us strength.

We do not tolerate inequality, injustice, or discrimination of any kind. These are hugely important issues and a brand with our reach and relevance means we have a very meaningful role to play.

We also recognise our responsibility as a large employer to continue being active in our communities, helping to develop skills and drive aspirations that will help people to be more aware of the world of work and more successful within it, whether with McDonalds or elsewhere.

Benefits

perks

Hybrid Working

Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.
wellness

Private Medical Care

Corporate employees receive private medical care, either immediately or following 6 months service depending on your role.
perks

Holiday Allowance

Full-time office employees receive 28 days paid holiday annually, plus 2 months sabbatical per every 10 years’ service.
wellness

Wellness Benefits

Your wellbeing matters. Enjoy access to wellbeing resources, mental health support, and initiatives designed to help you feel your best – in and out of work.
perks

Pension & Life Assurance

Access our stakeholder pension scheme alongside Life Assurance cover if you contribute a minimum of 3%.
perks

Career Growth

We highly value talent and believe in helping our people grow. We support career progression through mentorship, training and leadership development opportunities.
wellness

Values Heroes

We live by our values and we reward those who demonstrate their commitment to them.
perks

Performance Reviews & Bonus

Your performance will be reviewed formally every 6 months and pay is reviewed annually based on performance. There is also potential to receive an annual bonus each year.
perks

Meals at Work

You can choose food from our restaurant menu on your break and can even try the latest promotions.
recognition

Length of service

Your length of service doesn’t go unnoticed – we reward you with monetary benefits for long service.
perks

Pay & Perks

Receive competitive pay and a range of exclusive perks, including employee discounts and an on-site gym at our Head Office.
perks

Employee Discounts

Benefit from our generous employee discount scheme, covering a range of retailers and services across the UK.
perks

Summer Fridays

Summer Fridays allow our Corporate Careers teams to finish early, every Friday, during the summer months.

Location

London
United Kingdom
N2 8AW

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Executive Assistant


Location:
London, United Kingdom, N2 8AW
Contract Type:
Employee
Department/Role:
People
Pay:
Competitive

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from the recruitment process?

The recruitment process differs for each role. If we think you’re a good fit, we’ll invite you to a competency based interview and then onto a second interview usually with an associated task to complete or present.

What are the pay rates at McDonald’s?

Our pay rates differ from role to role, but we always ensure that these rates remain competitive. Alongside this, we also offer a wide range of benefits including holiday and sick pay, and employee discounts that offer savings at over 1,600 retailers.

Does McDonald's offer flexible working?

Enjoy the flexibility of our hybrid working model with 3 days in the office to foster collaborative team environment and 2 days remote to support work/ life balance.

What documents should I provide as proof of eligibility to work?

Before we can employ you, we are required to verify your eligibility to work in the UK & Ireland. You’ll need to provide acceptable original documents such as a valid passport or a valid UK/Ireland visa (with a college letter listing term dates, where applicable). Only original documents will be accepted.

How do I apply for a vacancy at McDonald’s head office?

Either click on the 'Job search' page or the ‘Job search’ button on the page of the vacancy you’re interested in. Then select the role that suits you, and complete an online application form.

How much holiday am I entitled to?

All full-time members of the Head Office team get 28 days paid holiday as well as bank holidays on top. For part-time workers, holiday will be determined on a pro-rata basis.

What do I wear in the office?

At our Head Office, we have a Dress for your Day Policy - the bottom line is that we want you to be empowered to make the decisions that meet the needs of your day.

I have a disability, what support can I get with my McDonald's job application?

During the application process, you can request for any reasonable adjustments to be made so you can find the right support needed during the application and onwards.

I want my pronouns to be known if I get this role, is this possible?

Yes. When you work in Head Office, you’ll receive a company email address and will easily be able to include your desired pronouns in the signature.

Can I get individual feedback on my application or interview?

Due to the high level of applications we receive not everyone will receive individual feedback. This depends on where you are in our process and this could potentially be written or over the phone.

Are there any wellbeing services I can access?

Yes! McDonald’s has a wellbeing hub on the staff website and our colleagues have access to the Employee Assistant Programme (EAP), which is run by AXA health care, offering a variety of services.

Is there opportunity for progression at McDonald’s?

Definitely. We highly value talent and always aim to encourage employees to remain within our business. To put it into perspective, half of our Executive Team started their career in restaurants. At McDonald’s, there are no limits to how far or fast you can progress.