Senior Category Specialist
About The Position
As a Senior Category Specialist, you'll help shape the sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships that support our business and restaurants. By leading complex sourcing initiatives, driving cost optimization, and partnering with stakeholders across the organization, you'll play a key role in delivering value while ensuring quality, service, and long-term business success. In this role, you'll Make a Difference by identifying opportunities that improve cost efficiency and strengthen supplier performance. You'll Serve with Heart by building trusted partnerships and supporting the needs of internal customers and restaurant operations. You'll Win as One by collaborating across functions to align sourcing decisions with business priorities. And you'll Move Forward Boldly by leveraging data, market insights, and strategic thinking to drive innovative solutions and sustainable results.
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.
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 $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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
