Indirect Purchasing and Shared Services Senior Manager

Whataburger; San Antonio (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus Program

401(k) match

Medical benefits

Paid holidays

Discounted meals

Career development

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

Whataburger is seeking an Indirect Purchasing & Shared Services Senior Manager to lead the teams underpinning Corporate Services, including Indirect Purchasing, Fleet & Travel, and Systems Support. You will drive strategic roadmaps, align tech and suppliers with business priorities, and coach leaders to raise performance and growth across functions.

You will partner with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and spend visibility while fostering governance and risk management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• 6+ years of progressive leadership experience in purchasing, fleet administration, travel management, business systems support, or related operational functions.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Experience managing supplier and service provider relationships.
• Strong knowledge of strategic planning, process improvement, and operational management.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial accountability.
• Ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and make informed business decisions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead Indirect Purchasing, Fleet & Travel, and Systems Support teams.
• Develop and execute strategic roadmaps for systems and shared services.
• Align technology, suppliers, and processes with business priorities.
• Coach leaders and team members to drive performance and growth.
• Identify and implement process improvement and automation opportunities.
• Strengthen supplier governance, service levels, and vendor accountability.
• Manage cross-functional initiatives across Corporate Services and key business partners.
• Partner with Finance to improve budgeting, forecasting, and spend visibility.
• Establish governance practices that support compliance and risk management.
• Leverage metrics, dashboards, and analytics to drive decisions and performance.
• Provide leadership insights and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Lead change initiatives that enhance efficiency, service, and business outcomes.
• Champion continuous improvement across supported functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional teams

Budgeting & forecasting

Data analysis

Communication

Strategic thinking

Multi-priority management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Information Management, or equivalent experience

Job description

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 an Indirect Purchasing & Shared Services Senior Manager, you'll lead the teams, systems, suppliers, and services that keep Corporate Services operating at its best. This role transforms strategy into action by driving operational excellence across Indirect Purchasing, Fleet & Travel, and Systems Support while improving service delivery, technology effectiveness, supplier performance, and business results. You'll partner across the organization to deliver innovative solutions, strengthen accountability, and create sustainable improvements that help Whataburger achieve its long-term goals.

In this role, you Make a Difference by improving processes and services that support team members across the business. You Serve with Heart by creating reliable, efficient solutions that enhance the employee experience. You Win as One by building strong partnerships across Corporate Services, Finance, IT, Real Estate, and Operations. And you Move Forward Boldly by championing innovation, automation, and continuous improvement that help drive the business forward.

As an Indirect Purchasing & Shared Services Senior Manager, you will:

• Lead Indirect Purchasing, Fleet & Travel, and Systems Support teams
• Develop and execute strategic roadmaps for systems and shared services
• Align technology, suppliers, and processes with business priorities
• Coach leaders and team members to drive performance and growth
• Identify and implement process improvement and automation opportunities
• Strengthen supplier governance, service levels, and vendor accountability
• Manage cross-functional initiatives across Corporate Services and key business partners
• Partner with Finance to improve budgeting, forecasting, and spend visibility
• Establish governance practices that support compliance and risk management
• Leverage metrics, dashboards, and analytics to drive decisions and performance
• Provide leadership insights and recommendations to senior leadership
• Lead change initiatives that enhance efficiency, service, and business outcomes
• Champion continuous improvement across supported functions
• Perform other duties as assigned

The Sauce – Pay & Perks

As an Indirect Purchasing & Shared Services Senior Manager, you will receive:

• Competitive Weekly Pay
• Bonus Program that scales up to 2.5X payout potential based on company results
• Flex Weeks
• Paid Corporate Holidays
• 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

As an Indirect Purchasing & Shared Services Senior Manager, you must have:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Information Management, or equivalent experience
• 6+ years of progressive leadership experience in purchasing, fleet administration, travel management, business systems support, or related operational functions
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and enterprise-wide initiatives
• Experience managing supplier and service provider relationships
• Strong knowledge of strategic planning, process improvement, and operational management
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial accountability
• Ability to analyze data, interpret trends, and make informed business decisions
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Extra Toppings – Desired Experience

• As an Indirect Purchasing & Shared Services Senior Manager, we prefer you to have:
• CPSM, CRM, CFM, or related professional certification
• Experience leading business systems, technology, or digital transformation initiatives
• Advanced experience in supplier governance and contract performance management
• Experience building operational dashboards and performance reporting programs
• Strong change management and organizational effectiveness experience
• Experience developing leaders and succession planning strategies
• Experience supporting multi-site or large-scale operational environments

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

Job Location: Monday- Thursday in office, Friday Remote: