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Category Specialist - Protein

Whataburger, San Antonio, TX, United States


Our Flavor — Why Whataburger
Whataburger isn’t just a fast‑food burger chain it is where bold leadership starts — and where potential doesn’t just grow, it heats up. Whether you’re leading the line or working behind the scenes, this is the place where opportunities stack up, and every day gives you a chance to

Make a Difference .

Since 1950, we’ve invested in people who lead with integrity,

Serve with Heart , and bring their best flavor to the team. We believe in working together, speaking up, having a little fun, and

Winning as One

— because great burgers (and great teams) start with the right ingredients. If you’re ready — to learn, grow, impact, and

Move Forward Boldly

— we’ve got your back and your path cooked to perfection.

Your Recipe For Impact — What You’ll Do
As a Category Specialist, you’ll play a key role in helping Whataburger source the goods and services that keep our restaurants running strong. By supporting category strategies, supplier partnerships, and data‑driven decisions, you help ensure we deliver value, quality, and consistency across the business.

In this role, you’ll

Make a Difference

by identifying opportunities to improve cost, performance, and processes. You’ll

Serve with Heart

through strong internal and supplier relationships built on trust, responsiveness, and integrity. You’ll

Win as One

by collaborating closely with Category Managers, cross‑functional partners, and suppliers to support shared goals. And you’ll

Move Forward Boldly

by analyzing data, spotting trends, and helping execute strategies that keep Whataburger competitive today and positioned for what’s next.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

Support development and execution of category strategies aligned to business needs

Assist with sourcing activities, including supplier research, RFPs/RFQs, and bid analysis

Participate in supplier selection and contract negotiations to optimize value and service

Help manage supplier relationships, performance tracking, and issue resolution

Analyze spend data, market trends, and supplier insights to identify improvement opportunities

Ensure procurement activities comply with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements

Prepare procurement documentation, reports, and KPI tracking

Collaborate cross‑functionally to support category initiatives and operational needs

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

Competitive Weekly Pay

Bonus Program that scales up to 2.5X payout potential based on company results

5 weeks PTO

Flex Weeks

Paid Corporate Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) match $1/$1 up to 4%

Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits

Short-term and Long-term Disability Benefits

Opportunities for Career Development and Growth

Whataburger Family Foundation - Scholarship Program (dependents eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance

Discounted Meals for You and a Guest

Wireless Service Discounts

Computer & Software Discounts

Fitness / Gym Discounts

Awards and recognition for all you do

Retirement Celebration Program

What You Bring To The Table — Required Experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

0+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or a related business function

Foundational knowledge of category management and procurement processes

Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend and supplier data

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate projects in a fast‑paced environment

Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

Procurement or supply management certification (CPSM, CPM, or equivalent), or in progress

Exposure to supplier negotiations and contract development

Experience supporting cross‑functional teams in a corporate environment

Familiarity with KPI reporting and performance metrics

Strong attention to detail with a continuous‑improvement mindset

Where & How You’ll Work
This role is based at the San Antonio Home Office, working on‑site Monday through Thursday with remote flexibility on Fridays. In this role, you’ll have strong collaboration with leadership, across cross‑functional teams, and with external partners to align capabilities with restaurant realities. The work environment is fast‑paced and requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and strong collaboration skills. Full‑time availability is required, with occasional extended hours based on business needs, along with occasional travel to properties, project sites, and external meetings. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the San Antonio Home Office.

Whataburger is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, age, or other condition or status protected by law. Whataburger participates in the federal E-Verify Program. For more information go to www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Eligibility rules may apply.

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903

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