Strategic Sourcing Lead: Category & Supplier Partnerships

Whataburger Restaurants; San Antonio (TX); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Weekly Pay

Bonus Program

5 weeks PTO

Starting on Day One

Flex Weeks

Paid Corporate Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

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

Medical, Dental, Vision Benefits

Disability Benefits

Career Development and Growth

Whataburger Family Foundation -Scholar

Discounted Meals for You and a Guest

Cell Phone Service Discounts

Computer & Software Discounts

Fitness / Gym Discounts

Awards and recognition

Retirement Celebration Program

Job summary

Whataburger Restaurants is seeking a Senior Category Specialist to shape sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships for Our business and restaurants. You will lead complex initiatives, drive cost optimization, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure quality and long-term success.

The role focuses on developing category strategies, negotiating terms, and leveraging data to deliver value across the organization.

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

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional collaboration

Influence outcomes

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

Whataburger Restaurants is seeking a Senior Category Specialist to shape sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships for Our business and restaurants. You will lead complex initiatives, drive cost optimization, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure quality and long-term success.

The role focuses on developing category strategies, negotiating terms, and leveraging data to deliver value across the organization.