Strategic Sourcing Lead — Hybrid (Fri Remote)

Whataburger; San Antonio (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Weekly Pay

Bonus Program

5 weeks of PTO Starting on Day One

Flex Weeks

Paid Corporate Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

$1/$1 401(k) match up to 4%

Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Disability Benefits

Career Development Opportunities

Scholarship Program for dependents

Discounted Meals for You and a Guest

Cell Phone Discounts

Software Discounts

Fitness Discounts

Awards and Recognition

Retirement Celebration Program

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

Strategic sourcing

Procurement

Supply chain

Sourcing project leadership

Spend analysis

Category management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Procurement software

Job description

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.