Director, Indirect Supply Chain
Leadership / Executive Board
Full Time
Welcome to Whataburger Careers!
This position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the entire Indirect Supply Chain function, encompassing purchasing, category management, fleet & travel, vendor services, and IT procurement. Responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive supply chain strategies that optimize costs, enhance operational efficiency, and support business growth. Leads a diverse team of professionals across multiple functional areas to deliver exceptional value to internal customers while ensuring compliance with company policies and industry best practices.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:
- Develops and implements comprehensive strategic plans for the Indirect Supply Chain function, aligning department objectives with overall business goals and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Leads organizational transformation initiatives including supply chain optimization, vendor consolidation, process standardization, and technology integration to enhance operational efficiency.
- Oversees all category management activities across indirect goods and services including IT procurement, ensuring strategic sourcing methodologies, market analysis, and supplier evaluation processes deliver optimal value.
- Owns and directs the end-to-end strategic sourcing process including RFx initiatives (RFI, RFQ, RFP), from initial needs assessment and requirements gathering through vendor selection, contract negotiation, and final contract execution, ensuring optimal outcomes and compliance.
- Manages enterprise-wide vendor relationship strategies, including supplier performance monitoring, contract negotiations, risk management, and strategic partnership development.
- Provides oversight of purchasing operations, fleet & travel services, and inventory management to ensure seamless support for business operations and growth initiatives.
- Drives cost optimization initiatives across all indirect spend categories through advanced analytics, market intelligence, demand management, and strategic sourcing activities.
- Establishes and monitors key performance indicators, departmental metrics, and reporting systems to ensure accountability and continuous improvement across all functional areas.
- Ensures compliance with procurement policies, legal requirements, ethical standards, and regulatory guidelines while managing risk mitigation strategies across the supply chain.
- Leads technology adoption and process improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain visibility, automation, and data-driven decision making across the organization.
- Collaborates with cross-functional executive teams to support strategic business initiatives, new unit openings, and organizational expansion through effective supply chain strategies.
- 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 senior level
- Experience in restaurant, retail, or multi-location operations preferred
- 10+ years’ progressive experience in supply chain management, procurement, or related field
- 12+ years’ progressive experience in supply chain management, procurement, or related field
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Demonstrated skills in strategic transformation and organizational change
- Demonstrated knowledge of supply chain management principles, procurement strategies, and vendor relationship management
- Demonstrated knowledge of indirect spend categories including IT procurement, real estate, marketing, and operational services
- Demonstrated knowledge in strategic planning, financial analysis, and performance management
- Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and Visio (as applicable)
- Proficiency in Workday (as applicable)
- 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
Professional Certification:
- Supply chain or procurement professional certification preferred (CPSM, CSCP, SCSMP, etc.)
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