McDonald's to Hire 70,000 in China as It Opens 250 Stores

McDonald's Corp. plans a major hiring push in China for 2026, aiming to add roughly 70,000 workers as it accelerates new-store openings to about 250 locations. The expansion represents a step up from roughly 200 new stores opened last year and comes as McDonald's seeks to deepen its presence in one of its key international markets.

McDonald's currently employs about 80,000 people in China, so the planned hires would nearly double its workforce there. The company expects higher staffing requirements per store in China because many outlets operate robust delivery services that add roles and shift scheduling needs compared with traditional counter and dine-in operations. Coordinated recruitment efforts are part of the plan, with company-run hiring events scheduled across the country, including a recruitment day on May 20.

For workers, the expansion will translate into a surge in hiring opportunities across entry-level crew positions, shift supervisors, and roles tied to delivery logistics and kitchen operations. Restaurants scaling up to meet delivery demand typically require more staff for order preparation, packaging, and last-mile coordination, which can create a mix of hourly jobs and operational roles that may include evening and weekend shifts.

The hiring push will also affect workplace dynamics. Store managers and regional operations teams will face pressure to onboard large numbers of new hires quickly, build consistent training programs, and maintain service standards during rapid growth. Schedules, retention strategies, and local recruiting channels will become focal points as McDonald's seeks to keep turnover low while meeting demand. Workers with delivery experience or food-service backgrounds may find greater leverage in the labor market as chains compete for skilled hourly staff.

Competition in China remains intense. McDonald's faces established rivals such as KFC and Pizza Hut, which have long invested in local operations and delivery networks. That competition will influence how aggressively companies recruit and how they structure roles, incentives, and training to attract and retain employees.

For employees and jobseekers, the expansion means a notable uptick in available positions across Chinese cities and a likely increase in organized hiring events. For managers and HR teams, the immediate challenge is converting the hiring plan into stable staffing, consistent training, and sustainable schedules that support both delivery volumes and in-store service. Observers will be watching the rollout through 2026 to see how many of the planned stores open on schedule and whether the hiring drive eases or intensifies local labor pressures.