National Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: National Design Consultant

Company: McDonald's Corporation

Location: Thornleigh, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & Development | Real Estate Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-21

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the conceptualization and delivery of innovative design solutions for new restaurant builds and reinvestment projects, ensuring strict adherence to operational and brand standards.

• Translate complex Australian Standards, planning requirements, and construction codes into practical, compliant, and aesthetically pleasing design outcomes.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, external architects, consultants, and suppliers to ensure seamless project execution.

• Actively influence and guide design direction by critically reviewing consultant work and upholding McDonald's national store standards.

• Contribute to the development of sustainable and scalable building solutions that align with and support the company's environmental commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "National Design Consultant," sits within McDonald's National Development Group and has significant operational integration. It requires a blend of architectural expertise and an understanding of retail operations, compliance, and cost-effectiveness, positioning it within a broader GTM (Go-To-Market) and operational real estate strategy. The emphasis on "National Store Standards" and "operational standards" highlights its direct impact on the physical customer experience and operational efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver comprehensive concept drawings for new restaurant constructions and significant reinvestment initiatives, ensuring full alignment with operational requirements and established brand guidelines.

• Interpret and apply Australian Standards, local planning regulations, and building codes to generate design solutions that are both practical and fully compliant.

• Engage in close collaboration with internal departments (e.g., Development, Operations, Marketing) and external partners (architects, engineers, suppliers) to bring design visions to fruition.

• Provide expert design oversight by reviewing consultant deliverables, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to McDonald's national design and brand standards.

• Propose and integrate sustainable and scalable design elements that contribute to environmental goals and long-term operational efficiency.

• Analyze cost data and project-specific insights to support informed, value-driven design decisions that optimize investment.

• Represent the National Development Group in cross-functional meetings, project reviews, and external forums as required.

• Continuously refine and enhance design templates, documentation processes, and national standards to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the development group.

• Conduct thorough reviews and evaluations of completed projects to verify quality, consistency, and successful realization of design objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong project management skills, beyond pure design. The emphasis on "translating Australian Standards," "analyzing cost data," and "reviewing completed projects" suggests a role deeply embedded in the operational execution of real estate development and capital expenditure projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Architecture (Registration as an Architect is preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as an architectural consultant or designer.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in architectural design software, including Revit and AutoCAD.

• Skilled in utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite for documentation and communication.

• Expertise in the Adobe Creative Suite for presentation and visual asset creation.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical design solutions.

• Strong understanding of building codes, Australian Standards, and planning regulations relevant to commercial construction.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Professional registration as an Architect in Australia.

• Experience in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) or fast-casual dining sector.

• Familiarity with sustainable building practices and environmental design principles.

• Experience with value engineering and cost-benefit analysis in design contexts.

• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "Class 6 buildings" experience is critical. This indicates a focus on high-traffic, operational environments where efficiency, durability, and customer flow are paramount, differentiating it from purely residential or office design roles. The preference for registration suggests a need for a high level of technical and professional accountability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating architectural design for Class 6 buildings (e.g., retail spaces, restaurants, cafes).

• Include examples of concept drawings, schematic designs, and detailed design documentation.

• Highlight projects where compliance with national standards, building codes, and planning regulations was a key consideration.

• Demonstrate experience in collaborating with external consultants and stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of experience in developing and refining design templates and documentation standards.

• Examples of how you have analyzed and applied Australian Standards and building codes in design projects.

• Case studies illustrating the process of translating operational requirements into design solutions.

• Documentation showcasing your approach to reviewing and evaluating consultant work against established standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role like this, the portfolio should go beyond aesthetic renderings. It needs to demonstrate a practical, process-driven approach to design that considers compliance, operational efficiency, and stakeholder alignment. The ability to document and articulate these processes is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for experienced architectural consultants in Sydney, Australia, with specialized retail/Class 6 building experience, a competitive annual salary would likely range from AUD $120,000 to $160,000. This estimate considers the required experience level, specialized skills, and the cost of living in Sydney.

Benefits:

• Competitive Remuneration Package: Includes base salary, health care coverage, and a target incentive bonus plan.

• Generous Annual Leave: 5 weeks of annual leave per year, allowing for extended periods of rest and personal pursuits.

• Hybrid Work Environment: A flexible model balancing remote work with in-office collaboration days to optimize productivity and work-life integration.

• Paid Parental Leave: Comprehensive paid parental leave top-up options to support new parents.

• Birthday Leave: An additional day off during your birthday month.

• Volunteer Leave: 3 days of paid leave annually to contribute to registered charities.

• Ongoing Professional Development: Investment in career growth through leadership programs and free access to LinkedIn Learning.

• Staff & Retail Discounts: Discounted meals at McDonald's locations across Australia and access to a wide range of retail discounts.

• 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access to a confidential wellbeing partner (Sonder) for yourself and immediate family, offering support for mental, medical, and safety concerns.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 38-40 hours per week, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Senior Architectural Consultant in a major Australian city with a strong industry presence like McDonald's. The benefits package is comprehensive and tailored to attract and retain talent, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) / Food & Beverage. McDonald's is a global leader in the food service industry, with a significant operational footprint in Australia, known locally as "Macca's."

Company Size: Large Enterprise (McDonald's Corporation globally has hundreds of thousands of employees; McDonald's Australia is a substantial operation within this framework, employing tens of thousands).

Founded: McDonald's was founded in 1940, with its Australian operations beginning in 1971. This long history signifies stability, established processes, and a deep understanding of the market.

Team Structure:

• National Development Group: This role sits within a specialized team focused on the physical expansion and enhancement of McDonald's restaurant portfolio across Australia.

• Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a National Manager or Director of Development, with dotted-line reporting or strong collaboration with project managers, construction leads, and regional development teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires extensive collaboration with Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain, Legal, and external architectural and construction firms.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are informed by market analysis, operational feedback, cost data, and customer insights.

• Standardization & Scalability: Emphasis on developing repeatable, scalable design solutions that can be implemented efficiently across numerous locations nationwide.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages refining processes, standards, and design elements based on project learnings and evolving business needs.

Company Website: https://jobs.mcdonalds.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: McDonald's culture, particularly in Australia ("Macca's"), is known for being dynamic, fast-paced, and focused on delivering consistent customer experiences. The "employer of choice" recognition suggests a commitment to employee development and a positive work environment, even within a large corporate structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level specialist within the development and operations infrastructure. It requires significant technical expertise and the ability to influence project outcomes independently.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the National Development Group, likely under a Director or Senior Manager. This provides exposure to strategic decision-making regarding the company's physical presence and capital investments.

Operations Impact: The National Design Consultant directly impacts the operational efficiency, brand consistency, customer experience, and long-term cost-effectiveness of McDonald's restaurants across Australia. Their designs influence everything from customer flow and staff productivity to brand perception and compliance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in retail design, sustainable building, or specific operational integrations within the QSR sector.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Senior Design Consultant role, team leadership, or management positions within the National Development Group.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to transition into roles within broader Real Estate, Project Management, or Operations Strategy teams, leveraging their understanding of the physical infrastructure.

• Continuous Learning: Access to LinkedIn Learning and internal leadership programs facilitates ongoing skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a large, established organization. The combination of design expertise and operational understanding is highly valued in real estate and development functions, making it a strategic position for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Environment. This indicates a blend of remote work and in-office presence.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Thornleigh, NSW, Australia. While specific office details are not provided, it's implied that the office serves as a hub for collaboration, team meetings, and project reviews.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates effective collaboration tools and practices to ensure seamless communication between remote and in-office team members.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Suite) and standard office productivity tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person interaction with the National Development Group and other cross-functional teams during office-based days, fostering team cohesion and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule, likely Monday to Friday, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid arrangement. This allows for focused individual work (potentially remote) and collaborative sessions (in-office).

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, suggesting that candidates should be comfortable with remote collaboration tools and self-management, while also valuing in-person interaction for key project phases and team building.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications against the core requirements.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on architectural design principles, software proficiency (Revit, AutoCAD), experience with Class 6 buildings, and understanding of Australian Standards and building codes. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through selected projects from the portfolio, discussing design rationale, process, challenges, and outcomes. Be prepared to articulate your role and contributions clearly.

• Cross-functional/Stakeholder Interview: Assessment of collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to work with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best highlight your experience with Class 6 buildings, new builds, reinvestments, and compliance.

• Showcase Process: Don't just present final designs; explain your design process, from initial concept to final documentation, including how you incorporated operational feedback and regulatory requirements.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative outcomes related to efficiency, cost savings, or improved customer experience resulting from your designs.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Prepare to discuss specific design decisions, software workflows, and your interpretation of relevant building codes and standards.

• Tailor to McDonald's: If possible, include examples that show an understanding of high-volume, fast-paced environments like QSR.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges or case studies that require you to outline your approach to a specific scenario, such as designing a new restaurant layout or a façade upgrade, considering operational constraints and brand identity.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on problem-solving, compliance, and stakeholder considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also to demonstrate their understanding of the entire design lifecycle, including the operational and compliance aspects crucial to McDonald's business.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Revit: Essential for Building Information Modeling (BIM), parametric design, and creating detailed architectural models. Expect questions about your proficiency and workflow within Revit.

• AutoCAD: Still a standard for 2D drafting and design documentation. Familiarity with its capabilities for technical drawings is crucial.

• Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator): Used for creating presentations, visual assets, reports, and enhancing design visualizations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable from a design perspective, but understanding how design impacts operational systems and customer flow within the restaurant environment is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD is non-negotiable for this role. The company relies on these tools for precise design and documentation, which are then used by construction teams and operational staff.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to high standards in design, execution, and operational integration.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with a diverse range of internal and external partners to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking better, more efficient, and sustainable design solutions.

• Customer Focus: Ensuring all designs ultimately enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency.

• Integrity: Upholding company standards, ethical practices, and regulatory compliance.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Communicative: Encouraging open communication and proactive engagement with stakeholders.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on finding practical solutions to design and operational challenges.

• Team-Based: Valuing collective input and working collaboratively to achieve project success.

• Feedback-Driven: Open to constructive feedback and utilizing it for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Macca's difference" and being an "employer of choice" suggests a culture that balances professionalism with a positive, engaging work environment. The values align with the operational demands of a large-scale retail brand.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Ensuring new designs are both uniquely McDonald's and fresh, while adhering to strict brand guidelines and operational needs.

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments: Integrating diverse Australian Standards, planning laws, and building codes across various local jurisdictions.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholder Agendas: Effectively communicating and aligning design intent with the needs of operations, marketing, finance, and external partners.

• Driving Sustainable Design within Budget Constraints: Implementing environmentally friendly solutions that also meet stringent cost targets for rapid rollout.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Potential for advanced training in Revit, BIM, or specific sustainable design certifications.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend industry conferences or workshops related to retail design, architecture, and construction.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Gaining deeper insights into McDonald's operations, supply chain, and business strategy through collaboration.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced leaders within the National Development Group or broader McDonald's organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges within a structured, large-scale operational framework, offering significant learning potential in both technical and strategic areas of retail development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements in a design project. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and finding optimal solutions.)

• "Walk me through your process for translating building codes and Australian Standards into practical design solutions for a retail environment." (Highlight your systematic approach and understanding of compliance.)

• "How do you approach designing for operational efficiency in a high-volume environment like a restaurant?" (Emphasize understanding of workflows, customer/staff flow, and durability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about McDonald's Australia's approach to restaurant development and design?" (Research recent store openings, sustainability initiatives, and brand evolution.)

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with McDonald's commitment to customer experience and operational excellence?" (Connect your skills to their brand values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or chronological order, with a clear introduction for each.

• Storytelling: For each key project, tell a story: the challenge, your approach, the solutions you implemented, and the results achieved (including any operational or compliance considerations).

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, drawings, and renderings. Be prepared to explain specific details on screen.

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your role, the tools you used, and the decision-making process behind your designs, especially concerning compliance and operational needs.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate not just design talent, but a deep understanding of the practical, operational, and regulatory aspects that are critical to McDonald's success in physical site development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this National Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the McDonald's Careers portal, ensuring your resume and cover letter (if requested) are tailored to highlight your relevant experience.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a digital portfolio that prominently features your experience with Class 6 buildings, concept development, and compliance with Australian Standards. Include examples that showcase your process for translating operational needs into design solutions.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and the Adobe Suite, along with specific years of experience in architectural design and Class 6 buildings. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your problem-solving approach, stakeholder management, and understanding of retail operational requirements. Practice answering behavioral and technical questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with McDonald's Australia's recent developments, brand initiatives, and commitment to sustainability. Understanding their "Macca's" brand identity will be beneficial.

⚠️ 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.

---