Purchasing Specialist

Welcome to Whataburger Careers! 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 Purchasing Specialist, you'll help keep our restaurants running by ensuring the right products, equipment, and services are delivered accurately, on time, and at the right value. You'll partner with vendors, internal teams, and Supply Chain stakeholders to support purchasing operations that directly impact restaurant success. In this role, you'll Make a Difference by helping deliver the resources our restaurants need to serve customers every day. You'll Serve with Heart through responsive support and strong vendor partnerships. You'll Win as One by collaborating across departments to execute purchasing initiatives and solve challenges. And you'll Move Forward Boldly by identifying process improvements and supporting new restaurant openings, rollouts, and business growth.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

• Create, process, and maintain purchase orders.
• Track orders, shipments, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate with vendors and business partners on order status.
• Verify pricing, invoices, and purchasing documentation.
• Resolve routine purchasing issues and escalating discrepancies.
• Support inventory replenishment, par levels, and safety stock needs.
• Coordinate warranty claims and vendor service activities.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, reports, and status updates.
• Support new restaurant openings, equipment deployments, and product rollouts.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Category teams to ensure contract pricing compliance.
• Identify process gaps and communicate improvement opportunities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

• Competitive Weekly Pay Bonus Program
• 5 weeks of PTO
• Starting on Day One
• Flex Weeks Paid
• Corporate Holidays Paid
• 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

What You Bring to the Table — Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• Experience supporting purchasing, procurement, or supply chain activities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience reviewing purchasing documents, pricing, and invoices for accuracy.
• Effective communication and vendor relationship management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and business systems.
• Ability to analyze information, solve problems, and follow established processes.

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

• Experience supporting a multi-location or restaurant-based business.
• Knowledge of purchase order and inventory management processes.
• Experience coordinating supplier performance and service delivery.
• Familiarity with contract pricing and procurement compliance practices.
• Experience supporting new unit openings, remodels, or rollout initiatives.
• Exposure to ERP, purchasing, or supply chain management systems.

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 E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. *Eligibility rules may apply to specific benefits 300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903 People make the difference at Whataburger. We take pride in our work, take care of each other and love serving our customers. Join our family and we’ll work hard to instill values and skills that will serve you well no matter where your journey leads.