Senior Category Specialist
Whataburger
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Whataburger is seeking a Senior Category Specialist to shape sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships supporting our restaurants. You will lead complex sourcing initiatives, drive cost optimization, and collaborate with stakeholders to deliver long-term value with quality and service.
In this role, you will identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency, strengthen supplier performance, and guide cross-functional decisions using data and market insights.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
- 4+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or a related field.
- Experience leading sourcing projects and supplier negotiations.
- Experience analyzing spend, costs, and business performance data.
- Knowledge of category management and sourcing strategy development.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex initiatives.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to influence outcomes across cross-functional teams.
- Ability to adapt to and learn the technology platforms, systems, applications, and equipment used in the role.
Responsibilities
- Lead complex sourcing initiatives across assigned categories.
- Develop and execute category sourcing strategies.
- Negotiate supplier agreements, pricing, and commercial terms.
- Conduct spend analysis and long-term cost forecasting.
- Build business cases that drive cost savings and value creation.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities, performance, and market opportunities.
- Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to support business objectives.
- Influence sourcing decisions through data-driven recommendations.
- Mentor and support the development of sourcing team members.
- Plan and manage sourcing initiatives with a long-term perspective.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
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,
Welcome to Whataburger Careers!
As a Senior Category Specialist, you'll help shape the sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships that support our business and restaurants. By leading complex sourcing initiatives, driving cost optimization, and partnering with stakeholders across the organization, you'll play a key role in delivering value while ensuring quality, service, and long-term business success.
In this role, you'll Make a Difference by identifying opportunities that improve cost efficiency and strengthen supplier performance. You'll Serve with Heart by building trusted partnerships and supporting the needs of internal customers and restaurant operations. You'll Win as One by collaborating across functions to align sourcing decisions with business priorities. And you'll Move Forward Boldly by leveraging data, market insights, and strategic thinking to drive innovative solutions and sustainable results.
As a Senior Category Specialist, you will:
- Lead complex sourcing initiatives across assigned categories.
- Develop and execute category sourcing strategies.
- Negotiate supplier agreements, pricing, and commercial terms.
- Conduct spend analysis and long-term cost forecasting.
- Build business cases that drive cost savings and value creation.
- Evaluate supplier capabilities, performance, and market opportunities.
- Identify supply chain risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to support business objectives.
- Influence sourcing decisions through data-driven recommendations.
- Mentor and support the development of sourcing team members.
- Plan and manage sourcing initiatives with a long-term perspective.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
As a Senior Category Specialist, You Will Receive
- Competitive Weekly Pay
- Bonus Program
- 5 weeks of PTO Starting on Day One
- 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 also eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance
- Discounted Meals for You and a Guest
- Cell Phone Service Discounts
- Computer & Software Discounts
- Fitness / Gym Discounts
- Awards and recognition for all you do
- Retirement Celebration Program
As a Senior Category Specialist, you must have:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
- 4+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply chain, or a related field.
- Experience leading sourcing projects and supplier negotiations.
- Experience analyzing spend, costs, and business performance data.
- Knowledge of category management and sourcing strategy development.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex initiatives.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to influence outcomes across cross-functional teams.
- Ability to adapt to and learn the technology platforms, systems, applications, and equipment used in the role.
As a Senior Category Specialist, we prefer you to have:
- Experience managing food, packaging, equipment, or service categories.
- Experience supporting a restaurant, retail, hospitality, or consumer goods organization.
- Advanced negotiation and supplier management experience.
- Experience developing long-term sourcing or category strategies.
- Experience conducting market intelligence and benchmarking analyses.
- Experience identifying and mitigating supply chain risks.
- Advanced Excel, financial analysis, and presentation development skills.
- Experience working with procurement, sourcing, or ERP systems.
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 to specific benefits
300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903
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