Manager, UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, UX Design

Company: McDonald's Corporation

Location: Chicago, IL, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Accessibility

Date Posted: 2026-02-11

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and implementation of inclusive and accessible user experiences across McDonald's global digital and physical touchpoints.

• Drive the adoption and integration of accessibility best practices within design systems and development workflows for web, native mobile, kiosk, and point-of-sale (POS) platforms.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with product management, experience design, engineering, and accessibility teams to ensure all customer and crew experiences cater to users of all abilities.

• Advocate for accessibility as a key business driver, influencing stakeholders and demonstrating its value in enhancing customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.

• Manage complex, global design challenges, leveraging expertise to guide teams and deliver high-quality, scalable solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on UX Design with a strong emphasis on Accessibility and Inclusive Design principles, reporting to the Senior Manager of Accessibility. The "Manager" title suggests a blend of individual contribution and team leadership through influence, rather than direct people management, given the reporting structure. The scope spans multiple channels including digital, in-restaurant (kiosk, POS), and potentially built environment integrations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and oversee the development of user experiences that adhere to global accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) across all digital platforms (web, mobile apps) and in-restaurant technology (kiosks, POS systems).

• Define, document, and communicate inclusive design principles and best practices to guide designers and developers in creating accessible omnichannel experiences at an enterprise scale.

• Conduct accessibility assessments of existing and proposed designs using automated tools, manual testing, and assistive technologies to identify and rectify usability barriers.

• Champion the integration of accessibility and inclusive design into the core of McDonald's design systems, ensuring consistency and efficiency in implementation.

• Collaborate closely with product managers and experience designers to embed accessibility requirements early in the product development lifecycle, from concept to launch.

• Partner with engineering teams to ensure technical feasibility and effective implementation of accessibility features across various technology stacks and platforms.

• Influence stakeholders across different business units to foster a culture of accessibility and highlight the business benefits of inclusive design.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in UX, accessibility, and inclusive design, particularly in areas like voice technologies and interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive approach to embedding accessibility, moving beyond compliance to strategic value creation. This includes defining standards, educating teams, and actively testing solutions, indicating a hands-on role within a larger strategic framework for global technology.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), UX Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Manager-level role in UX Design.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6+ years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) Design, with a significant focus on inclusive design and global accessibility best practices.

Required Skills:

• Inclusive Design: Deep understanding and practical application of inclusive design principles to create equitable experiences for all users.

• Global Accessibility Standards: Expertise in WCAG guidelines and other relevant accessibility regulations and best practices for diverse global markets.

• Omnichannel Experience Design: Ability to design seamless and consistent user journeys across multiple touchpoints, including digital (web, mobile) and physical (kiosk, POS).

• Assistive Technologies: Proficiency in assessing user experiences using a variety of assistive technologies (screen readers, magnifiers, voice control) and device settings.

• Design Systems: Experience contributing to or utilizing design systems to ensure consistency, scalability, and accessibility in product development.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with product managers, UX designers, engineers, and business stakeholders.

• Communication & Documentation: Strong skills in clearly defining, communicating, and documenting design standards and best practices for large-scale enterprise applications.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity, leading through influence and expertise to solve challenging design problems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with design systems specifically built for both customer-facing and enterprise users.

• Experience in designing omnichannel commerce experiences for a global brand that integrates the built environment.

• Knowledge of inclusive design principles and practices for voice technologies and interactions.

• Familiarity with automated accessibility testing tools and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a strong foundation in accessibility and its practical application across various platforms. The preferred skills suggest a desire for candidates who can bring experience from large-scale, complex design systems and emerging interaction paradigms like voice.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your experience in applying inclusive design and accessibility principles to solve real-world UX challenges.

• Impact Demonstration: Clearly articulate the business impact and user benefits of your accessibility initiatives, quantifying improvements where possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced support calls, broader user adoption).

• Process Documentation Examples: Include examples of how you have defined, documented, and communicated accessibility standards and best practices to design and development teams.

• Cross-Channel Examples: Highlight projects that span multiple channels (e.g., web, mobile, kiosk) to demonstrate your ability to create consistent, accessible omnichannel experiences.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow diagrams or documentation that illustrate how accessibility is integrated into the product development lifecycle.

• Documentation outlining implementation strategies and best practices for designers and developers across different technology platforms.

• Evidence of how you have assessed accessibility using automated tools and assistive technologies, and the subsequent actions taken.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on accessibility and design systems, the portfolio should heavily feature practical examples of applied knowledge. Demonstrating the ability to influence and educate teams on accessibility best practices through documentation and process integration is crucial. The emphasis on omnichannel experience design requires showcasing how accessibility is maintained across diverse touchpoints.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $138,207 - $172,758 per year.

Benefits:

• Health and welfare benefits

• 401(k) plan

• Adoption Assistance Program

• Educational Assistance Program

• Flexible Ways of Working

• Time Off Policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Manager-level UX Design role in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, especially for a large corporation like McDonald's with a global technology focus. The inclusion of bonus and long-term incentive eligibility indicates a comprehensive compensation package beyond base salary. The benefits listed are standard for large enterprises and cover health, retirement, professional development, and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage / QSR (Quick Service Restaurants) with a significant focus on Global Technology and Digital Transformation.

Company Size: McDonald's is a massive global corporation, employing hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The Global Technology division is a substantial entity within this organization, indicating a complex, matrixed environment with significant resources.

Founded: 1955. McDonald's has a long-standing history, evolving from a traditional restaurant chain to a significant player in digital and technology innovation, driven by its "Accelerating the Arches" growth strategy.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Global Experience Design (XD) team, specifically under the XD Foundations group.

• XD Foundations includes specialized teams like Accessibility, Design Systems, and UX Writing.

• This Manager will report to the Senior Manager, Accessibility.

• Close collaboration is expected with Foundations colleagues, product managers, experience designers, and engineers across various product teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Leveraging customer data and insights to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Agile Development: Likely operating within agile frameworks, requiring close partnership with engineering and product teams throughout the development lifecycle.

• Design Thinking: Employing user-centered design methodologies to solve complex problems.

• Scalable Design Systems: Building and maintaining robust design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across a vast portfolio of products and services.

• Emphasis on Accessibility: A core methodology is to embed inclusive design and accessibility as foundational elements, not afterthoughts.

Company Website: https://www.mcdonalds.com/ (Global corporate site) / https://medium.com/mcdonalds-technical-blog (Global Technology Technical Blog)

📝 Enhancement Note: McDonald's is undergoing significant digital transformation, making technology roles crucial. The culture likely balances a fast-paced, innovative environment with the structured processes of a large, established corporation. The emphasis on "feel-good moments" suggests a focus on positive customer and employee experiences, which aligns well with the UX and accessibility focus of this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Manager-level position within the UX Design discipline, specifically focused on a critical area: Accessibility and Inclusive Design. It sits within a larger "Foundations" group, suggesting it's a central enabling function for product teams. The "Manager" title here implies significant individual contribution and expertise, with leadership through influence rather than direct people management.

Reporting Structure: The Manager, UX Design will report to the Senior Manager, Accessibility. This indicates a clear hierarchy within the Accessibility team, which is part of the broader Global Experience Design (XD) organization. This structure allows for specialized leadership and strategic direction in accessibility.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is profound. By ensuring that McDonald's digital and in-restaurant experiences are accessible to all customers and crew members, the Manager directly contributes to:

• Increased Customer Reach: Expanding the customer base by removing barriers for individuals with disabilities.

• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Providing a positive and inclusive experience for a wider audience.

• Brand Reputation: Strengthening McDonald's image as a socially responsible and customer-centric brand.

• Operational Efficiency: Designing intuitive systems that are easy for crew members to use, regardless of their abilities.

• Compliance and Risk Mitigation: Ensuring adherence to accessibility regulations globally.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in accessibility, inclusive design, and potentially emerging areas like voice UX or AI ethics in design.

• Leadership in Design Systems: Grow into a role that has broader influence over the entire design system's accessibility posture.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Transition to roles that manage larger product areas or lead broader design initiatives impacting multiple customer segments.

• Mentorship: Mentor junior designers and contribute to building the overall UX and accessibility talent pool within McDonald's.

• Strategic Impact: Move into senior leadership roles within Global Technology that shape the future of McDonald's customer and crew experiences globally.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for an accessibility-focused UX professional to make a large-scale impact. The growth path involves deepening technical expertise, expanding influence, and taking on more strategic leadership within a globally recognized brand undergoing digital transformation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is designated as "On-site," meaning it requires the employee to work from a McDonald's office location. Given the "Manager, UX Design" title and the company's headquarters in Chicago, it's highly probable this role is based at McDonald's corporate offices in Chicago.

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL (60607). This is the primary location specified.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: As an on-site role, expect a dynamic office environment designed for collaboration. This includes shared workspaces, meeting rooms equipped for presentations and brainstorming, and opportunities for spontaneous interactions with colleagues.

• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to modern design tools, high-performance hardware, and the latest software relevant to UX design, accessibility testing, and project management.

• Cross-Functional Proximity: Being on-site facilitates close working relationships with product managers, engineers, other UX designers, and accessibility specialists, enabling efficient communication and problem-solving.

• Inclusion Focus: The office environment itself should ideally reflect the company's commitment to inclusivity, with accessible facilities and workspaces.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule of 40 hours per week is expected. While the role is on-site, McDonald's does mention "flexible ways of working" as a benefit, which might translate to some flexibility in daily start/end times or occasional hybrid arrangements if company policy allows for specific roles or circumstances, though the job posting explicitly states "On-site."

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation for a Managerial UX role in a major corporate hub like Chicago suggests a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration, team building, and direct engagement with product development teams. This environment is conducive to iterative design processes and rapid feedback loops critical for complex projects.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes. Candidates with strong portfolios showcasing relevant accessibility and UX design experience will be prioritized.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Senior Manager, Accessibility to assess technical expertise, understanding of accessibility principles, and fit with the team's strategic goals. This may involve discussing past projects and challenges.

• Skills Assessment / Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a UX design exercise or present a detailed case study from their portfolio. This will likely focus on problem-solving, design rationale, and how accessibility was integrated.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with other members of the XD Foundations team, product managers, and/or engineers to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to work within a complex organization.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader in Global Technology or Design to discuss strategic alignment and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Accessibility Impact: Clearly articulate how your work has improved accessibility and the tangible benefits it delivered (e.g., user adoption, satisfaction, compliance).

• Showcase Process: Detail your design process, emphasizing how accessibility was integrated from research and ideation through to implementation and testing.

• Demonstrate Breadth: Include examples that cover a range of platforms (web, mobile, kiosk, POS) and complex challenges.

• Quantify Results: Use metrics and data to support your claims about the success of your designs and accessibility initiatives.

• Explain Rationale: Be prepared to explain your design decisions and trade-offs, especially in relation to accessibility constraints and business goals.

• Tailor to McDonald's: Research McDonald's current digital initiatives and challenges. Frame your experience in a way that shows how you can address their specific needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Accessibility Scenarios: Be prepared for scenario-based questions related to common accessibility challenges and how you would approach solving them within a large enterprise context.

• Design System Integration: Understand how to advocate for and integrate accessibility into existing design systems.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you would influence stakeholders who may not fully understand or prioritize accessibility.

• Problem Definition: Practice defining complex UX problems, especially those involving diverse user needs and multiple technology platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing on both technical UX skills and specialized knowledge in accessibility. A strong, well-documented portfolio that clearly demonstrates impact and process is paramount. Candidates should be ready to articulate how they drive change and influence across a large, global organization.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (or similar industry-standard design and prototyping tools).

• Design Systems: Experience contributing to or working with established design systems. Specific internal McDonald's design system knowledge would be a plus.

• Accessibility Testing Tools:

  • Automated: axe DevTools, WAVE, Lighthouse, Siteimprove.
  • Manual/Assistive Technologies: Screen readers (JAWS, NVDA, VoiceOver), keyboard navigation, screen magnifiers, voice control software.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (for understanding user behavior and identifying accessibility-related drop-off points).

• User Feedback Platforms: Tools for collecting and analyzing user feedback specific to accessibility.

• Reporting Dashboards: Tools like Tableau or Power BI for visualizing accessibility metrics and impact.

CRM & Automation: While the role is UX Design, familiarity with how CRM systems (like Salesforce, if used) and marketing automation tools integrate with customer-facing interfaces could be beneficial for understanding the broader customer journey. The primary focus will be on the user-facing applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard UX design tools is a given. The critical differentiator for this role will be deep expertise in accessibility testing tools and methodologies, including hands-on experience with assistive technologies. Familiarity with design systems and collaborative project management tools is also essential for effective integration within the development process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of McDonald's customers, ensuring everyone has a positive experience.

• Inclusivity & Belonging: Fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered, mirroring the goal of creating inclusive digital products.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new and better ways to serve customers through technology and design, driving the "Accelerating the Arches" strategy.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams and functions to achieve common goals, breaking down silos.

• Excellence: Striving for high quality in all aspects of work, from design execution to process improvement and user impact.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using insights from data and user research to inform strategic decisions and measure success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is inherently collaborative, requiring seamless interaction with product managers, engineers, other designers, and accessibility specialists.

• Influence and Advocacy: A style that relies on expertise, clear communication, and data to influence decisions and champion accessibility initiatives.

• Feedback-Oriented: An open approach to receiving and giving constructive feedback to continuously improve designs and processes.

• Partnership: Working as a true partner with development teams to ensure accessibility is built-in, not bolted on.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing best practices, insights, and learnings across teams to elevate the overall design and accessibility maturity of the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "feel-good moments" and inclusivity suggests a culture that values empathy, positive impact, and creating enjoyable experiences for both customers and employees. The collaborative style needed for this role is one that bridges technical and design disciplines, advocating for user needs within a large corporate structure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scale and Complexity: Designing for a global brand with millions of users across diverse markets and numerous touchpoints (digital, kiosk, POS) presents significant scale and complexity challenges.

• Legacy Systems & Processes: Integrating accessibility into existing, potentially older, systems and established development workflows can be difficult.

• Influencing Diverse Stakeholders: Gaining buy-in and ensuring consistent application of accessibility standards across various teams and regions, some of whom may have varying levels of awareness or commitment.

• Balancing Accessibility with Business Goals: Navigating the trade-offs between perfect accessibility, user experience, technical feasibility, and business objectives.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Standards: The landscape of accessibility standards, assistive technologies, and user needs is constantly changing, requiring continuous learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Emerging Tech: Opportunities to explore accessibility in newer technologies like AI-driven personalization, voice interfaces, and augmented reality applications.

• Global Accessibility Best Practices: Exposure to accessibility challenges and solutions in different cultural and regulatory contexts worldwide.

• Design System Evolution: Play a key role in shaping the accessibility components and guidelines within McDonald's' global design system.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership-through-influence skills, mentor junior team members, and potentially take on more strategic design leadership roles.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to leading accessibility and UX conferences, workshops, and certifications to stay at the forefront of the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a large, global organization, particularly in a role that requires cross-functional influence. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a chance to significantly impact a major brand's digital presence and to develop expertise in a critical and evolving field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully advocated for an accessibility feature that initially faced resistance. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses influence, problem-solving, and understanding of business value.)

• "How would you integrate accessibility best practices into an existing design system for a global brand like McDonald's?" (Evaluates understanding of design systems and scalability.)

• "Walk us through your process for assessing the accessibility of a complex omnichannel experience, from initial audit to recommended solutions." (Tests practical application of accessibility testing and strategic thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about McDonald's 'Accelerating the Arches' strategy and how can accessibility contribute to its success?" (Tests research and alignment with company goals.)

• "How do you foster a culture of inclusivity and accessibility within a design and engineering team?" (Assesses cultural fit and leadership approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solutions (especially accessibility features), the impact, and lessons learned.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. Did your accessible design lead to increased engagement, reduced errors, or broader adoption?

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your design decisions and the user experience.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with other teams (product, engineering, QA) to bring accessibility to life.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific technical implementations, accessibility standards, and your design rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating practical experience in applying accessibility principles at scale and influencing diverse teams. Candidates should be ready to articulate the business value of accessibility beyond mere compliance.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the McDonald's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies showcasing your expertise in inclusive design and global accessibility across various platforms (web, mobile, kiosk, POS). Tailor your resume to highlight keywords like "inclusive design," "WCAG," "assistive technologies," "omnichannel," and "design systems."

• Research McDonald's: Familiarize yourself with McDonald's "Accelerating the Arches" strategy, their digital initiatives (Delivery, Digital, Drive-Thru), and their stated commitment to "feel-good moments" and inclusivity. Understand their brand and customer base.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your experience in managing complex design challenges, influencing stakeholders, and embedding accessibility into product development processes within a large, global organization. Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on impact and collaboration.

• Understand the Role: Re-read the job description carefully to ensure your application and interview responses directly address the requirements and responsibilities, particularly the emphasis on accessibility within XD Foundations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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