Category Specialist - Protein

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 Category Specialist, you’ll play a key role in helping Whataburger source the goods and services that keep our restaurants running strong. By supporting category strategies, supplier partnerships, and data‑driven decisions, you help ensure we deliver value, quality, and consistency across the business.

In this role, you’ll Make a Difference by identifying opportunities to improve cost, performance, and processes. You’ll Serve with Heart through strong internal and supplier relationships built on trust, responsiveness, and integrity. You’ll Win as One by collaborating closely with Category Managers, cross‑functional partners, and suppliers to support shared goals. And you’ll Move Forward Boldly by analyzing data, spotting trends, and helping execute strategies that keep Whataburger competitive today and positioned for what’s next.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

As a Category Specialist, you will:

• Support development and execution of category strategies aligned to business needs
• Assist with sourcing activities, including supplier research, RFPs/RFQs, and bid analysis
• Participate in supplier selection and contract negotiations to optimize value and service
• Help manage supplier relationships, performance tracking, and issue resolution
• Analyze spend data, market trends, and supplier insights to identify improvement opportunities
• Ensure procurement activities comply with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Prepare procurement documentation, reports, and KPI tracking
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to support category initiatives and operational needs

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As a Category Specialist, you will receive:

• 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

As a Category Specialist, you must have:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 0+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or a related business function
• Foundational knowledge of category management and procurement processes
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend and supplier data
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate projects in a fast‑paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

As a Category Specialist, we prefer you to have:

• Procurement or supply management certification (CPSM, CPM, or equivalent), or in progress
• Exposure to supplier negotiations and contract development
• Experience supporting cross‑functional teams in a corporate environment
• Familiarity with KPI reporting and performance metrics
• Strong attention to detail with a continuous‑improvement mindset

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