Restaurant Manager - Unit 42

Whataburger Restaurants; United States; On-site; USD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

401(k) match

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave

Education benefits (English-learning &

Reduced tuition pathways

Discounted meals

Job summary

Whataburger Restaurants is hiring a Restaurant Manager to oversee a high-volume operation with a $4M+ annual sales profile and a team of 50+ Family Members. You’ll drive great food, service, and teamwork, rotating through AORs to build leadership skills for future Operating Partner opportunities.

You’ll lead daily operations, coach teammates, manage costs, and uphold safety and brand standards while advancing a culture of hospitality and performance.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED strongly preferred or equivalent experience.
• Open availability including overnights, weekends, holidays, variable hours.
• Stand up to 10 hours and lift up to 55 lbs.
• 1–3 years of leadership experience.
• ServSafe Food Manager Certification (or ability to obtain).
• Valid driver’s license with auto liability coverage.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily restaurant operations to meet quality, service, and cleanliness standards.
• Champion hospitality and guest service standards with friendly, fast service.
• Coach and develop Family Members to reach their potential.
• Achieve restaurant goals across sales, labor, food cost and profitability.
• Ensure food safety, workplace safety, and brand standards.
• Model values and create a positive, inclusive work environment.
• Lead shift transitions and maintain smooth operations across day parts.
• Support talent development, training, hiring and retention with leadership.
• Assist with business planning, performance reviews and improvements.

Skills

Leadership experience

Guest service

Reliability

Education

High school diploma or GED

ServSafe Food Manager Certification

Job description

Welcome to Whataburger Careers!

Your Recipe for Impact — What You’ll Do

As a Restaurant Manager, you’ll oversee a high‑volume restaurant with average annual sales of $4M+ and an average team size of more than fifty Family Members. You’ll create an environment where great food, great service, and great teamwork come together every day. You’ll rotate through Customer, Quality, and People Areas of Responsibility (AORs) to build well‑rounded leadership skills and prepare for future Operating Partner opportunities. You’ll Make a Difference by supporting operational performance, Serve with Heart by developing your team, Win as One through partnership with your Operating Partner and fellow leaders, and Move Forward Boldly by driving improvements that strengthen your restaurant and grow your leadership.

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As a Restaurant Manager, you will receive:

• Competitive Weekly Pay Bonus Program with 2.5x upside potential
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holiday (Christmas)
• 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 – a clear career path to a six-figure income (our Operating Partners can earn six figures!)
• Whataburger Family Foundation - Scholarship Program (dependents eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance
• Comprehensive education benefits, including access to free English‑language learning, no‑cost college‑level courses, and reduced college tuition pathways
• 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
• And more!
• *Eligibility rules may apply

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

• Lead daily restaurant operations to meet quality, service, and cleanliness standards.
• Champion hospitality and guest service standards by creating experiences that feel friendly, fast, and authentically Whataburger.
• Coach, develop, and support Family Members to reach their full potential.
• Be responsible for achieving restaurant goals across sales, labor, food cost, and profitability.
• Ensure food safety, workplace safety, and brand standards are upheld.
• Model Whataburger values and create a positive, inclusive work environment.
• Lead shift transitions and maintain smooth operations across all day parts.
• Guide talent development, training, hiring, and retention in partnership with restaurant leadership team.
• Support business planning, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

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.

What You Bring to the Table — Required Experience

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED strongly preferred or equivalent experience.
• Be able to meet business needs and have open availability, including overnights, weekends, holidays, variable hours, and maintain dependable attendance.
• Have ability to stand up to 10 hours, lift up to 55 lbs., and meet physical demands.
• Have 1–3 years of leadership experience.
• Possess ServSafe Food Manager Certification (or the ability to successfully obtain and pass the exam during training).
• Possess a valid driver’s license and maintain current automobile liability at minimum levels in your state of residence.

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.

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.

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 will serve you well no matter where your journey leads.