Procurement Senior Manager

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 Procurement Senior Manager, you will lead strategic sourcing and supplier management initiatives that drive value across Whataburger's business. You'll oversee a portfolio of categories, build strong supplier partnerships, and collaborate with leaders across the organization to optimize costs, strengthen operational performance, and support long-term growth.

In this role, you will Make a Difference by delivering sourcing strategies that improve business results while ensuring our restaurants have the products and services they need to succeed. You will Serve with Heart by fostering trusted supplier relationships and creating solutions that support our teams and Guests. You will Win as One by partnering across Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, and other business functions to align purchasing decisions with enterprise priorities. And you will Move Forward Boldly by identifying innovative sourcing opportunities, leading complex negotiations, and driving transformational improvements that position Whataburger for future success.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

As a Procurement Senior Manager, you will:

• Develop and execute multi-category sourcing strategies.
• Lead complex supplier negotiations and contract discussions.
• Manage strategic supplier partnerships and performance.
• Drive category cost optimization and value creation initiatives.
• Partner with Finance on spend analysis and cost modeling.
• Establish and monitor category performance metrics and KPIs.
• Identify and mitigate supplier, market, and continuity risks.
• Lead cross-functional sourcing and procurement initiatives.
• Evaluate market trends and industry opportunities.
• Develop, coach, and lead high-performing purchasing teams.
• Support enterprise procurement and business transformation efforts.

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As a Procurement Senior Manager, 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

What You Bring to the Table — Required Experience

As a Procurement Senior Manager, you must have: 

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• 6+ years of procurement, sourcing, or purchasing experience.
• 3+ years of leadership experience managing teams and business strategy.
• Experience developing and executing category management strategies.
• Experience leading supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Experience managing supplier performance and strategic partnerships.
• Strong financial analysis and cost optimization skills.
• Experience working with procurement systems and ERP platforms.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

As a Procurement Senior Manager, we prefer you to have: 

• Experience supporting multi-unit restaurant, retail, hospitality, or consumer-facing businesses.
• Experience managing complex, high-spend category portfolios.
• Experience leading enterprise-wide sourcing or procurement initiatives.
• Experience with supplier risk management and business continuity planning.
• Experience building performance dashboards and procurement analytics.
• Advanced knowledge of strategic sourcing methodologies.
• MBA or advanced degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as CPSM, CPSD, CPPB, or CPM.

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 to specific benefits