GERMAN GAITAN
Upper Marlboro
Summary
Strategic field leader with 15+ years of experience at McDonald’s USA, partnering with franchisees and cross-functional teams to drive sustainable business results. Proven ability to influence without authority, translate strategy into execution, and strengthen operational, people, and financial performance across multi-unit environments. Deep expertise in QSC, risk mitigation, talent development, and performance consulting.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Field Operations Consultant
McDonald’s USA
01.2024 - Current
- Serve as a trusted advisor to franchisees and restaurant leaders, aligning operational execution with brand strategy and business objectives.
- Protect brand integrity by proactively identifying risks to food safety, people safety, and customer experience; partner with operators on sustainable solutions.
- Lead QSC and safety assessments, translating findings into prioritized action plans.
- Act as Subject Matter Expert for Food Safety, Health & Safety, Shift Management, and SSP.
- Partner with Franchise Business Partners on KPIs and business reviews.
Operations Consultant
McDonald’s USA
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Led operational performance for six McOpCo restaurants.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to deploy enterprise initiatives.
- Coached and developed General Managers and leadership pipelines.
- Used data-driven insights to improve business outcomes.
General Manager
McDonald’s USA
01.2010 - 01.2021
- Full P&L and operational accountability for high-volume restaurants.
- Led teams through change initiatives and performance turnarounds.
- Built strong leadership benches through coaching and development.
- Outstanding Store Manager – 2013, 2014, 2015.
Assistant Manager / Swing Manager / Crew Member
McDonald’s USA
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Progressed rapidly through leadership roles.
Education
High School Diploma -
Northwestern High School
MD 06-2018
Skills
- Franchisee Partnership & Influence
- Business & Financial Acumen
- Performance Consulting & KPI Analysis
- QSC, Food Safety & Risk Management
- Talent Development & Succession Planning
- Change Leadership & Strategic Execution
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 6 staff members.
Certification
- General Manager Leadership Program (Virtual Pilot) – Nov 2020 – Present
- Inspire at MHQ
- Becoming a Change Agent – Oct 2020
- The Leader in Me – Oct 2020
- Restaurant Operations Leadership Program (ROLP) – Jul 2015
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
- General Manager Leadership Program (Virtual Pilot)
- Inspire at MHQ
- Becoming a Change Agent
- The Leader in Me
- Restaurant Operations Leadership Program (ROLP)
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Bilingual: English & Spanish
- Microsoft Office: Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Field Operations Consultant
McDonald’s USA
01.2024 - Current
Operations Consultant
McDonald’s USA
01.2021 - 01.2024
General Manager
McDonald’s USA
01.2010 - 01.2021
Assistant Manager / Swing Manager / Crew Member
McDonald’s USA
01.2008 - 01.2010
High School Diploma -
Northwestern High School