Operating Partner In Training - Gulfport, MS

Whataburger

Gulfport (MS)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 120,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Medical, Dental & Vision

401(k) match

Career Development

Scholarship Program

Discounted Meals

Education support

Fitness Discounts

Employee discounts

Job summary

Whataburger is seeking an Operating Partner in Gulfport, MS to lead a high-volume restaurant, drive sales, profitability, and guest satisfaction. You will recruit and coach leaders, deploy brand standards, and own staffing and safety across the operation.

You’ll foster a culture of hospitality, manage financial performance, and partner with Market Leaders to share best practices while advancing long-term growth and success.

Qualifications

Be at least 21 years of age.
Have an associate degree or equivalent work experience.
Have 2+ years of restaurant or hospitality management experience.
Demonstrate success leading teams and developing leaders.
Possess strong business acumen with experience managing financial performance.
Have the ability to recruit, coach, and retain top talent.
Possess Food Safety Certification (or the ability to obtain it during training).
Be able to work a full-time, flexible schedule based on business needs.
Possess a valid driver's license and maintain required automobile liability insurance.
Stand for the entire shift, lift up to 55 lbs., and meet physical demands.
Adapt to evolving technology platforms, systems, applications, and equipment.

Responsibilities

Lead all aspects of restaurant performance, including sales, profitability, operations, and people.
Build, coach, and develop high-performing Restaurant Managers, Shift Leaders, and Team Members.
Create a culture of hospitality that delivers exceptional guest experiences.
Champion food safety, workplace safety, and brand standards.
Own restaurant staffing, recruiting, hiring, retention, and succession planning.
Drive financial results through effective labor, food cost, and expense management.
Develop and execute business plans for long-term growth and performance.
Lead change initiatives, new programs, and operational improvements.
Foster engagement through coaching, recognition, and meaningful communication.
Partner with Market Leaders and Operating Partners to share best practices.

Skills

Restaurant management

Leadership

People development

Financial acumen

Recruiting

Food safety

Adaptability

Communication

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

POS systems

Labor management systems

Job description

Your Recipe For Impact - What You'll Do

As an Operating Partner, you'll lead a high-volume, multi-million-dollar restaurant business while creating an environment where Family Members thrive, guests receive extraordinary hospitality, and operational excellence comes to life every day. More than managing a restaurant, you'll own the success of your business-driving sales, profitability, talent development, and community engagement while building future leaders and strengthening the Whataburger brand. You'll Make a Difference by creating opportunities for Family Members to grow and succeed, Serve with Heart by fostering a culture of hospitality and care for both guests and Family Members, Win as One by aligning and developing high-performing teams around shared goals, and Move Forward Boldly by driving innovation, embracing change, and delivering results that position your restaurant and people for long-term success.

The Sauce - Pay & Perks

Competitive Weekly Pay
Bonus Program
Paid Time Off Starting on Day One
Paid Parental Leave*
Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits*
Short-term and Long-term Disability Benefits*
401(k) match $1/$1 up to 4%
Opportunities for Career Development and Growth
Whataburger Family Foundation - Scholarship Program (dependents also eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance
Comprehensive education support, including free English-language learning, no-cost college-level courses, and reduced-tuition degree pathways.
Discounted Meals
Wireless Service Discounts
Computer & Software Discounts
Fitness / Gym Discounts
Awards and recognition for all you do
And more!

Day-to-Day Ingredients - Responsibilities

Lead all aspects of restaurant performance, including sales, profitability, operations, and people.
Build, coach, and develop high-performing Restaurant Managers, Shift Leaders, and Team Members.
Create a culture of hospitality that delivers exceptional guest experiences.
Champion food safety, workplace safety, and brand standards.
Own restaurant staffing, recruiting, hiring, retention, and succession planning.
Drive financial results through effective labor, food cost, and expense management.
Develop and execute business plans that support long-term growth and performance.
Lead change initiatives, new programs, and operational improvements.
Foster engagement through coaching, recognition, and meaningful communication.
Partner with Market Leaders and fellow Operating Partners to share best practices and drive results.
Represent Whataburger in the community to strengthen the brand and attract talent.
Ensure the restaurant consistently delivers quality, cleanliness, and operational excellence.

Our Flavor - About Whataburger

Whataburger isn't 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.

What You Bring To The Table - Required Experience

Be at least 21 years of age.
Have an associate degree or equivalent work experience.
Have 2+ years of restaurant or hospitality management experience.
Demonstrate success leading teams and developing leaders.
Possess strong business acumen with experience managing financial performance.
Have the ability to recruit, coach, and retain top talent.
Possess Food Safety Certification (or the ability to successfully obtain and pass the exam during training).
Be able to work a full-time, flexible schedule based on business needs.
Possess a valid driver's license and maintain required automobile liability insurance.
Have ability to stand for the entire shift, lift up to 55 lbs., and meet physical demands.
Ability to adapt to and learn new and evolving technology platforms, systems, applications, and equipment used in the role.

Where & How You'll Work

This role is based in your home restaurant, where you'll spend most of your time leading your team and supporting daily operations. At times, you may be asked to assist at neighboring locations or provide leadership support within the Market. You'll also take part in business meetings, training opportunities, and leadership sessions that help you grow and stay connected to the broader Whataburger organization. Full-time availability and the flexibility to meet operational needs are key to success in this role.

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.