
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
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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
#J-18808-Ljbffr