Senior Project Manager

Whataburger; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Bonus program up to 2.5x payout

5 weeks PTO

Flex weeks

Paid corporate holidays

Paid parental leave

401(k) match 1:1 up to 4%

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Disability benefits

Career development opportunities

Scholarship program for dependents

Discounted meals for you and a guest

Wireless service discounts

Software discounts

Fitness/gym discounts

Awards and recognition programs

Retirement celebration program

Job summary

Whataburger is seeking a Senior Project Manager to lead complex, high-impact initiatives across the business. You will partner across teams to translate ideas into action, align stakeholders, and deliver projects from planning to execution with excellence.

You will drive change, manage risks, and ensure value realization while collaborating with leadership to support strategic priorities and growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6+ years of project and/or program management experience.
• Experience leading large, cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution.
• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving, risk management, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex projects and programs with significant business impact.
• Develop project plans, timelines, resource strategies, and governance frameworks.
• Drive execution across cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Manage project risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Partner with senior leaders to align priorities and support decision-making.
• Oversee budgets, forecasting, and benefit realization.
• Lead change management efforts and adoption strategies.
• Ensure adherence to project management standards and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and delivery effectiveness.
• Coach and develop project team members.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Executive communication

Budget management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree

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 Senior Project Manager, you’ll lead complex, high-impact initiatives that help Whataburger achieve its strategic priorities and deliver meaningful business results. In this role, you will partner across teams to turn ideas into action, align stakeholders around shared goals, and ensure projects are delivered with excellence from planning through execution. By driving organizational change, managing risk, and fostering collaboration, you will help Make a Difference in how we serve our customers and team members, Serve with Heart through strong partnerships and support, Win as One by bringing cross-functional teams together, and Move Forward Boldly by leading transformational work that shapes the future of the business.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

• Lead complex projects and programs with significant business impact.
• Develop project plans, timelines, resource strategies, and governance frameworks.
• Drive execution across cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Manage project risks, issues, dependencies, and mitigation plans.
• Partner with senior leaders to align priorities and support decision-making.
• Oversee budgets, forecasting, and benefit realization.
• Lead change management efforts and adoption strategies.
• Ensure adherence to project management standards and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and delivery effectiveness.
• Coach and develop project team members.

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

• 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 or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6+ years of project and/or program management experience.
• Experience leading large, cross-functional initiatives from planning through execution.
• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Experience managing project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving, risk management, and decision-making skills.
• Experience driving organizational change and business adoption.

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
• Experience managing enterprise-wide programs or project portfolios.
• Knowledge of project governance frameworks and methodologies.
• Experience leading and developing project management professionals.
• Proven ability to influence decision-making across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience supporting large-scale business transformation 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.

*Eligibility rules may apply

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903