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Talent Acquisition Partner and Early Talent Programs

Talent Acquisition Partner and Early Talent Programs

locationUnited States
PublishedPublished: 4/1/2026
Full Time

Welcome to Whataburger Careers!

Our Flavor —WhyWhataburger

Whataburgerisn’tjust a fast-foodburgerchainitis where bold leadership starts — and where potentialdoesn’tjust grow, it heatsup. Whetheryou'releading the line or working behind the scenes, this is the place where opportunities stack up, and everydaygives you a chance toMakeaDifference.

Since 1950,we’veinvested in people who lead with integrity,erve withHeart, and bring their best flavor to the team. We believe in working together, speaking up, having a little fun, andWinningasOne— because great burgers (and great teams) start with the right ingredients. Ifyou'reready— to learn, grow,impact,andMoveForwardoldly—we’vegot your back and your path cooked to perfection.

Your Recipe for Impact — WhatYou’llDo

As aTalent Acquisition Partner and Early Talent Programs,you’llshape the future of Whataburger by connectinggreat talentwith meaningful careers across our Corporate and Field teams.You’llserve 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 Differenceby attracting and hiring high‑quality, diverse talent for critical and specialized roles, including early career pathways that strengthen our long‑term workforce.Serve with Heartby creating an exceptional, relationship‑driven candidate and hiring leader experience grounded in care, respect, and transparency.Win as Oneby partnering cross‑functionally with HR, Operations, and business leaders to align talent strategies with business priorities.Move Forward Boldlyby elevating our recruiting approach through data, technology, and forward‑thinking Early Talent programs that keep Whataburger competitive and future‑ready.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

  • As aTalent Acquisition Partner and Early Talent Programs,youwill:

  • 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 andmaintainstrong 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

  • Ensuretimelycandidate 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

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As aTalent Acquisition Partner and Early Talent Programs,youwillreceive:

  • CompetitiveWeekly 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%

  • CompetitiveMedical, 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

What You Bring to the Table —RequiredExperience

  • As a Talent Acquisition Partner and Early Talent Programs,you musthave: 

  • 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

  • Proficiencywith 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 Resourcesor equivalent experience

Extra Toppings —DesiredExperience

As aTalent Acquisition Partner and Early Talent Programs,we preferyou to have: 

  • 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

  • Experienceleveragingtechnology, social media, and market trends to attract talent

  • Passion for talent development, inclusion, and building pipelines for the future

Where & HowYou’llWork

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’llhave strongcollaborationwith leadership, across cross-functional teams, and with external partners to align capabilities with restaurant realities.The work environment isfastpacedand requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and strongcollaborationskills.Fulltime availabilityisrequired, with occasional extended hours based on business needs, along withoccasionaltravel to properties, project sites, and external meetings. Candidates mustresidewithin commuting distance of the San Antonio Home Office.

Whataburger is committed toprovidingequal 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. Whataburgerparticipatesin the federal E-Verify Program. For moreinformationgo to www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

*Eligibility rules may apply

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903