Welcome to Whataburger Careers!
The Director, Category Management is responsible for leading and driving the category management of food related products. Works closely with Research and Development of the Whataburger Menu from innovation to execution. Oversees the procurement and supply of food related products within the categories assigned. Directs internal and external relationships with suppliers and contract management.Total Rewards:
- Competitive Weekly Pay
- Bonus Program with 250% Upside Potential
- Performance for Pay Program – Eligibility to Receive a Pay Increase Once a Year, Based on Performance
- Opportunities for Career Development and Growth
- Healthcare and Life Insurance Benefits
- Paid Time Off - 5 Weeks on Day 1
- Flex Weeks - Remote Work Arrangement
- Paid Corporate Holidays
- 401(k) Savings Plan with a Competitive Company Match
- Paid Parental Leave – Subject to Eligibility Requirements
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Scholarship Program - You and Your Dependents are Eligible!
- Whataburger Family Foundation (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
Responsibilities:
Leads the category management team process including:
- Procures and supplies new products and new Limited Time Offers (LTOs)
- Directs supplier partners on product development needs of Whataburger
- Directs supply chain procurement and supply with suppliers and distribution
- Provides feedback to supplier partners quality, pricing, and supply forecasts
- Oversees the development of presentations for category management
- Oversees commodities on food categories and communicates to leadership market trends, demands, and pricing fluctuations
- Works closely with project management to deliver new products, contract management, and sustainability of current supplies
- Works closely with all departments for strategic planning and demand planning of food categories assigned
Serves as Business Sponsor for all category projects including secondary supplier and alternative supplier projects.
Directs the continuous improvement of food categories, including food cost, supply, and supplier management.
Leads the strategy and execution of the food categories assigned. Includes sourcing and analyzing external market reports and impacts to food cost.
Works with Research and Development to direct and plan internal product presentations for various committees and meetings (Pre-SAS, SAS, Menu Strategy, FBM, Commodities Committee).
Directs food related requests for proposals and contracts.
Directs supplier ideation sessions including to align with Menu Strategy:
- Selection of supplier partners to invite
- Evaluation and management of white paper ideation submissions
- Scheduling and organizing ideation presentation
- Provides feedback to supplier partner on results
Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree or any equivalent combination of educational and work experience required
- Master’s degree preferred
Experience:
- 5+ years’ experience supervising others at various organizational levels, preferably at a regional or higher level
- 9+ years’ experience as project or program director
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and Visio (as applicable)
- Proficiency in JD Edwards preferred (as applicable)
- Proficiency in Restaurant Operating, Back of House, and Point of Sales systems preferred
- Advanced ability to communicate, influence and negotiate decisions while motivating staff
- Advanced ability to create and implement given strategic direction
- Ability to work in a team environment
Working Conditions/Travel Requirements:
- Expected to work the necessary time to satisfactorily fulfill job responsibilities
- Must be able to report to work timely and as required by operational/business needs
- Must be able to work a full-time schedule and work outside of normal business hours when necessary
- Some travel, both locally and long distances, (including air travel), to worksites, meeting sites, and other locations may be necessary