Labor Management Senior Manager

About the role

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 Labor Management Senior Manager, you'll lead enterprise labor planning and workforce optimization strategies that help our restaurants operate efficiently while supporting exceptional team and guest experiences. In this role, you'll partner across Operations, Finance, HR, and Analytics to develop data-driven labor strategies, improve workforce effectiveness, and drive sustainable business results.

Your work directly supports Whataburger's values by helping teams Make a Difference through impactful labor solutions, Serve with Heart by enabling restaurants to support their teams effectively, Win as One through cross-functional collaboration, and Move Forward Boldly by advancing innovative workforce strategies that strengthen operational performance and future growth.

Day-to-Day Ingredients - Responsibilities

As a Labor Management Senior Manager, you will

• Lead labor planning and workforce optimization initiatives.
• Develop and execute enterprise labor strategies.
• Enhance labor forecasting models and workforce planning tools.
• Analyze labor and operational data to drive business decisions.
• Lead restaurant tests, pilots, and program evaluations.
• Identify opportunities to improve labor deployment and productivity.
• Ensure compliance with labor regulations and company standards.
• Drive adoption of labor programs through effective change management.
• Partner cross-functionally to align labor strategies with business goals.
• Coach, develop, and lead high-performing team members.

The Sauce - Pay & Perks

As a Labor Management 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

As a Labor Management Senior Manager, you must have

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6+ years of experience in labor management, workforce planning, analytics, operations strategy, or a related field.
• Experience leading labor planning and workforce optimization initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience developing forecasting models and performance measurement tools.
• Ability to translate data into actionable business recommendations.
• Proven success leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders.
• Experience driving process improvements and organizational change.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing team members.

Extra Toppings - Desired Experience

As a Labor Management Senior Manager, we prefer you to have

• Experience in a multi-unit restaurant, retail, hospitality, or service environment.
• Advanced expertise in workforce analytics and labor modeling.
• Experience with labor management and workforce technology platforms.
• Strong financial acumen and operational planning experience.
• Experience leading large-scale pilots and transformation initiatives.
• Ability to present insights and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Advanced proficiency with business intelligence and data visualization tools.
• Master's degree in Business, Analytics, Operations, Human Resources, or a related field.

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.
• *Eligibility rules may apply to specific benefits
• 300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903