Senior Category Specialist

Whataburger Restaurants•San Antonio, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Senior Category Specialist, you will shape sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships that support Whataburger’s business and restaurants. You will lead complex sourcing initiatives, drive cost optimization, and work with stakeholders across the organization to deliver value while ensuring quality, service, and long-term business success. The role focuses on improving cost efficiency, strengthening supplier performance, building trusted internal partnerships, and aligning sourcing decisions with business priorities through data, market insights, and strategic thinking. This role is based at Whataburger’s San Antonio Home Office. It is onsite Monday through Thursday, with remote flexibility on Fridays. The position requires residence within commuting distance of the home office, full-time availability, occasional extended hours based on business needs, and occasional travel to properties, project sites, and external meetings. The work environment is fast-paced and calls for sound judgment, strategic thinking, and strong collaboration.

Requirements

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.
Must reside within commuting distance of the San Antonio Home Office.
Full-time availability, occasional extended hours based on business needs, and occasional travel to properties, project sites, and external meetings.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing food, packaging, equipment, or service categories.
Experience supporting a restaurant, retail, hospitality, or consumer goods organization.
Advanced negotiation and supplier management experience.
Experience developing long-term sourcing or category strategies.
Experience conducting market intelligence and benchmarking analyses.
Experience identifying and mitigating supply chain risks.
Advanced Excel, financial analysis, and presentation development skills.
Experience working with procurement, sourcing, or ERP systems.

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.

Benefits

Competitive weekly pay.
Bonus program.
5 weeks of PTO starting on day one.
Flex weeks.
Paid corporate holidays.
Paid parental leave.
401(k) match of $1 for every $1 contributed, 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, with dependents also eligible, and hardship grant assistance.
Discounted meals for the employee and a guest.
Cell phone service discounts.
Computer and software discounts.
Fitness and gym discounts.
Awards and recognition.
Retirement celebration program.