Operating Partner - Unit 297

whataburger; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Paid time off from day one

Parental leave

Medical, dental, vision

Disability benefits

401(k) match

Career development

Education support

Discounted meals

Tech discounts

Gym discounts

Awards & recognition

Job summary

Whataburger is seeking an Operating Partner to lead a high-volume restaurant, driving sales, profitability, and people development from your home base. You’ll mentor Restaurant Managers, Shift Leaders, and Team Members, delivering hospitality, brand standards, and staffing excellence to power long-term growth.

You’ll be accountable for building high-performing teams, managing labor and costs, and executing business plans that elevate guest experiences and local impact.

Qualifications

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Associate degree or equivalent work experience.
• 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 ability to obtain 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.
• Be able 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.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Talent development

Team management

Business acumen

Recruiting

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Job description

Welcome to Whataburger Careers!

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

As an Operating Partner, you’ll receive:

• 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
• Cell Phone Service Discounts
• Computer & Software Discounts
• Fitness / Gym Discounts
• Awards and recognition for all you do
• And more!

Day-to-Day Ingredients - Responsibilities

As an Operating Partner, you will:

• 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 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.

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.

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