Talent Acquisition Partner and Early Talent Programs

Whataburger Restaurants•San Antonio, TX

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Talent Acquisition Partner and Early Talent Programs, you’ll shape the future of Whataburger by connecting great talent with meaningful careers across our Corporate and Field teams. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor to leaders, delivering innovative recruiting strategies while building pipelines that fuel both today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth. Make a Difference by attracting and hiring high ‑ quality, diverse talent for critical and specialized roles, including early career pathways that strengthen our long ‑ term workforce. Serve with Heart by creating an exceptional, relationship ‑ driven candidate and hiring leader experience grounded in care, respect, and transparency. Win as One by partnering cross ‑ functionally with HR, Operations, and business leaders to align talent strategies with business priorities. Move Forward Boldly by elevating our recruiting approach through data, technology, and forward ‑ thinking Early Talent programs that keep Whataburger competitive and future ‑ ready.

Requirements

3+ years of full ‑ cycle talent acquisition experience in a corporate or professional environment
Proven success recruiting for specialized, professional, or hard ‑ to ‑ fill roles
Experience partnering with leaders and influencing hiring decisions as a trusted advisor
Strong behavioral interviewing and competency ‑ based assessment skills
Proficiency with Applicant Tracking Systems; experience with Workday and CRM tools preferred
Knowledge of employment laws and compliant hiring practices
Exceptional communication, relationship ‑ building, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast ‑ paced environment
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or equivalent experience

Nice To Haves

Experience designing or leading Early Talent or campus recruiting programs
Background recruiting across both corporate and field ‑ based roles
Talent Acquisition or HR certification (PHR, SHRM ‑ CP, or similar)
Strong data literacy with ability to translate recruiting metrics into insights
Experience leveraging technology, social media, and market trends to attract talent
Passion for talent development, inclusion, and building pipelines for the future

Responsibilities

Lead full ‑ cycle recruiting for professional, managerial, and niche roles across Corporate and Field teams
Serve as a strategic talent advisor to leaders on workforce planning, hiring strategies, and succession needs
Design, deliver, and continuously enhance Early Talent programs (internships, campus recruiting, early career pipelines)
Source, assess, and engage active and passive candidates using ATS, CRM, social, and market insights
Conduct behavioral interviews and guide hiring teams through best ‑ practice selection decisions
Build and maintain strong talent pipelines for current and future hiring needs
Partner with universities, community partners, and professional organizations to expand talent reach
Manage offers, compensation discussions, and pre ‑ hire processes with accuracy and care
Ensure timely candidate communication and a best ‑ in ‑ class recruiting experience
Track recruiting activity, outcomes, and trends; prepare reports and insights for leaders
Promote and protect the Whataburger brand, culture, and values in every interaction

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
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