Product Specifications Senior Manager

Whataburger

San Antonio (TX)

Hybrid

USD 120,000 - 170,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Bonus program

PTO

401(k) matching

Medical/Dental/Vision

Paid holidays

Job summary

Whataburger is seeking a Product Specifications Senior Manager to lead governance of product specs, nutrition, allergen, and labeling data across the system. You will partner with Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Product Innovation, Supply Chain, Operations, and supplier partners to ensure information meets regulatory and brand standards.

You will protect data accuracy, support transparency, and strengthen compliance while driving changes that improve data quality and operational effectiveness

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Animal Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
10+ years of experience in product specifications, FSQA, regulatory affairs, technical documentation, or related food industry functions.
Experience managing nutrition, allergen, ingredient, and labeling information.
Experience leading and developing teams.
Strong knowledge of food labeling and regulatory requirements.
Working knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety systems.
Experience with nutrition analysis and product data management systems.
Strong project management and prioritization skills.
Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

Lead product specification governance and document control processes.
Ensure accuracy of nutrition, allergen, labeling, and ingredient data.
Oversee nutrition systems, databases, and related software tools.
Audit supplier nutrition and ingredient information for compliance and accuracy.
Validate product and formulation changes across specifications and nutrition data.
Support FSQA compliance, audits, inspections, and risk mitigation efforts.
Manage external nutritional testing and verification activities.
Lead internal and external sensory evaluation programs.
Maintain ingredient standards and approved ingredient requirements.
Partner cross-functionally to support product integrity and regulatory compliance.
Develop, coach, and lead a high-performing team.
Drive process improvements that enhance data quality and operational effectiveness.

Skills

FSQA

Regulatory affairs

Team leadership

Data management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Food Science degree

Related field degree

Tools

Nutrition analysis software

Product data management systems

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 a Product Specifications Senior Manager, you'll lead the systems, processes, and governance that ensure the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of product specifications, nutrition, allergen, and sensory data across the Whataburger system. You'll serve as a strategic partner to Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Product Innovation, Supply Chain, Operations, and supplier partners to ensure product information is accurate, accessible, and aligned with regulatory and brand standards.

In this role, you'll Make a Difference by protecting the quality and accuracy of the information our teams and customers depend on every day. You'll Serve with Heart by helping maintain transparency and trust through accurate nutrition, allergen, and labeling information. You'll Win as One by building strong partnerships across teams and suppliers to support shared business objectives. And you'll Move Forward Boldly by advancing systems, processes, and sensory programs that strengthen compliance, support innovation, and drive continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Day-to-Day Ingredients - Responsibilities

Lead product specification governance and document control processes
Ensure accuracy of nutrition, allergen, labeling, and ingredient data
Oversee nutrition systems, databases, and related software tools
Audit supplier nutrition and ingredient information for compliance and accuracy
Validate product and formulation changes across specifications and nutrition data
Support FSQA compliance, audits, inspections, and risk mitigation efforts
Manage external nutritional testing and verification activities
Lead internal and external sensory evaluation programs
Maintain ingredient standards and approved ingredient requirements
Partner cross-functionally to support product integrity and regulatory compliance
Develop, coach, and lead a high-performing team
Drive process improvements that enhance data quality and operational effectiveness

The Sauce - Pay & Perks

As a Product Specifications Senior Manager, You Will Receive

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 in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Animal Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience
10+ years of experience in product specifications, FSQA, regulatory affairs, technical documentation, or related food industry functions
Experience managing nutrition, allergen, ingredient, and labeling information
Experience leading and developing teams
Strong knowledge of food labeling and regulatory requirements
Working knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety systems
Experience with nutrition analysis and product data management systems
Strong project management and prioritization skills
Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Extra Toppings - Desired Experience

Experience within the restaurant, QSR, or food manufacturing industry
Experience managing specification management or document control platforms
Direct experience with sensory science programs and panel management
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives across Product Innovation, Supply Chain, Operations, and QA teams
Experience managing external laboratories, testing partners, or regulatory vendors
Advanced expertise in nutrition analysis and regulatory documentation
Experience implementing systems, process improvements, or continuous improvement initiatives

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.