Restaurant Engineering & Innovation Senior Manager

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 Restaurant Engineering & Innovation Senior Manager, you will lead the strategies, testing programs, and operational innovations that shape the future of the Whataburger restaurant experience.

This role drives operational efficiency, scalability, and continuous improvement by bringing together restaurant engineering, technology, equipment innovation, and process optimization to deliver meaningful business results. You will partner across the organization to identify opportunities, test bold ideas, and implement solutions that improve performance for Family Members and Guests alike.

In doing so, you will help Make a Difference by enhancing restaurant operations and driving measurable business impact, Serve with Heart by creating solutions that support restaurant teams and improve the Guest experience, Win as One through strong cross-functional collaboration, and Move Forward Boldly by championing innovation that prepares Whataburger for future growth.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities As a Restaurant Engineering & Innovation Senior Manager, you will: Lead restaurant engineering, testing, and innovation strategies that improve operational performance and scalability. Design and optimize kitchen layouts, workflows, labor deployment, and operational processes. Develop testing frameworks to evaluate equipment, technology, and process improvements.

Lead pilot programs and validate operational and financial outcomes. Analyze performance data to identify opportunities and drive continuous improvement. Build strategic roadmaps and execute projects from concept through implementation. Partner with Operations, Technology, Supply Chain, Finance, and Training teams to deliver operational solutions. Establish engineering, testing, and process governance standards.

Present recommendations, business cases, and operational insights to senior leadership. Coach, mentor, and develop team members. Manage team performance, priorities, and resource allocation.

The Sauce — Pay & Perks As a Restaurant Engineering & Innovation Senior Manager, you will receive: 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 What You Bring to the Table — Required Experience As a Restaurant Engineering & Innovation Senior Manager, you must have: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. 6+ years of experience in restaurant engineering, operations, process improvement, innovation, or a related field.

Experience leading cross-functional projects from concept through implementation. Knowledge of restaurant design, kitchen planning, workflow optimization, and process engineering. Experience developing and executing testing strategies and pilot programs. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills. Experience building business cases and presenting recommendations to senior leadership.

Ability to influence stakeholders and drive organizational change. Experience leading, coaching, and developing high-performing teams. Extra Toppings — Desired Experience As a Restaurant Engineering & Innovation Senior Manager, we prefer you to have: Experience supporting quick-service restaurant or multi-unit operations.

Experience evaluating and implementing restaurant equipment, automation, or emerging technologies. Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies. Experience leading large-scale operational innovation or transformation initiatives. Knowledge of labor optimization and restaurant productivity strategies. Experience balancing operational, financial, and Guest experience considerations.

Demonstrated success managing complex initiatives across multiple stakeholders and business functions. 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 www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

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