Office of Compliance and Ethics Intern

Whataburger Restaurants; San Antonio (TX); Hybrid; USD 2,066,000 - 3,857,000; Full time

Job summary

Whataburger is seeking an Office of Compliance and Ethics Intern to support programs that strengthen integrity and responsible business practices. You will gain hands-on experience researching regulations, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to promote ethical operations across the organization.

Responsibilities include policy review, training coordination, dashboard development, and due diligence support, with opportunities to apply AI-driven solutions and drive

Qualifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
• Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across teams.

Responsibilities

• Support compliance program administration, documentation, and action-item tracking
• Assist with policy review, governance, approvals, and distribution processes
• Help coordinate compliance training programs and awareness initiatives
• Analyze compliance data and support dashboard and reporting development
• Conduct regulatory and legal research and summarize key findings
• Assist with due diligence, risk assessment, and compliance monitoring activities
• Support investigations, corrective action tracking, and follow-up efforts
• Identify opportunities to improve compliance workflows and processes
• Explore and apply AI-driven solutions to enhance compliance operations
• Partner with internal stakeholders on special projects and strategic initiatives

Skills

Research

Analytical

Problem-solving

Communication

Organization

Multitasking

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Welcome to Whataburger Careers! 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 an Office of Compliance and Ethics Intern, you’ll help strengthen and advance Whataburger’s compliance and ethics program by supporting initiatives that promote integrity, accountability, and responsible business practices across the organization. In this role, you’ll gain hands‑on experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams, researching regulatory requirements, analyzing compliance data, and supporting projects that help ensure our policies and practices align with our values and commitments. You’ll Make a Difference by supporting programs that protect our people, brand, and business. You’ll Serve with Heart by helping foster a culture of ethics, transparency, and trust. You’ll Win as One by partnering with teams across the organization to drive compliance awareness and operational excellence. And you’ll Move Forward Boldly by helping identify process improvements, leveraging technology and AI, and supporting innovative solutions that strengthen our compliance program.

Day-to‑Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

• Support compliance program administration, documentation, and action‑item tracking
• Assist with policy review, governance, approvals, and distribution processes
• Help coordinate compliance training programs and awareness initiatives
• Analyze compliance data and support dashboard and reporting development
• Conduct regulatory and legal research and summarize key findings
• Assist with due diligence, risk assessment, and compliance monitoring activities
• Support investigations, corrective action tracking, and follow‑up efforts
• Identify opportunities to improve compliance workflows and processes
• Explore and apply AI‑driven solutions to enhance compliance operations
• Partner with internal stakeholders on special projects and strategic initiatives

What You Bring to the Table — Required Experience

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate degree program
• Strong research, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication abilities
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across teams

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

• Coursework in Business, Legal Studies, Compliance, Ethics, Risk Management, or a related field
• Interest in corporate compliance, ethics, governance, or regulatory affairs
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, or dashboard tools
• Familiarity with policy management or compliance‑related processes
• Experience using AI or emerging technologies to improve business processes
• Previous internship, leadership, or project‑based experience in a professional environment

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 People make the difference at Whataburger. We take pride in our work, take care of each other and love serving our customers. Join our family and we’ll work hard to instill values and skills that’ll serve you well no matter where your journey leads.