Restaurant Innovation Group Director
About The Position
As a Restaurant Innovation Group Director, you’ll lead the strategy and execution of initiatives that shape the future of the Whataburger restaurant experience. You’ll Make a Difference by driving innovations that improve operations, elevate the guest experience, and deliver measurable business results. You’ll Serve with Heart by ensuring every solution keeps team members and guests at the center. Through cross-functional leadership and alignment, you’ll Win as One, bringing teams together to deliver scalable, impactful change. And by challenging the status quo and introducing forward-thinking ideas, you’ll help the organization Move Forward Boldly —continuously evolving how we operate and serve.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Progressive leadership experience in restaurant, retail, or operations innovation
- Proven ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional initiatives
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
- Experience leveraging data and analytics to drive decisions
- Demonstrated ability to influence and align senior stakeholders
- Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills
- Experience managing multiple complex priorities in a fast-paced environment
Nice To Haves
- Experience in QSR or multi-unit restaurant environments
- Background in digital, technology, or process innovation
- Familiarity with pilot design, testing methodologies, and scaling strategies
- Experience with change management and adoption strategies
- MBA or advanced degree in a related field
- Continuous improvement mindset (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar)
- Passion for enhancing guest and team member experiences
Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end innovation initiatives from concept through pilot and rollout
- Define and execute restaurant innovation strategy aligned to business goals
- Partner cross-functionally (Operations, IT, Supply Chain, Finance) to drive initiatives
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, guest experience, and team member workflows
- Oversee testing, validation, and scaling of new processes, tools, and technologies
- Analyze performance data and KPIs to inform decisions and measure impact
- Manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables
- Build and lead high-performing teams and foster a culture of innovation
- Communicate progress, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership
Benefits
- 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
- Wireless Service Discounts
- Computer & Software Discounts
- Fitness / Gym Discounts
- Awards and recognition for all you do
- Retirement Celebration Program
Stand Out From the Crowd
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
