Restaurant Innovation Group Director

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 Innovation Group Director, you’ll lead the strategy and execution of initiatives that shape the future of the Whataburger restaurant experience. You’ll Make a Difference by driving innovations that improve operations, elevate the guest experience, and deliver measurable business results. You’ll Serve with Heart by ensuring every solution keeps team members and guests at the center. Through cross-functional leadership and alignment, you’ll Win as One, bringing teams together to deliver scalable, impactful change. And by challenging the status quo and introducing forward-thinking ideas, you’ll help the organization Move Forward Boldly—continuously evolving how we operate and serve.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

As a Restaurant Innovation Group Director, you will:

• Lead end-to-end innovation initiatives from concept through pilot and rollout
• Define and execute restaurant innovation strategy aligned to business goals
• Partner cross-functionally (Operations, IT, Supply Chain, Finance) to drive initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, guest experience, and team member workflows
• Oversee testing, validation, and scaling of new processes, tools, and technologies
• Analyze performance data and KPIs to inform decisions and measure impact
• Manage project timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables
• Build and lead high-performing teams and foster a culture of innovation
• Communicate progress, insights, and recommendations to senior leadership

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As a Restaurant Innovation Group Director, you will receive:

• Competitive Weekly 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%
• 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 eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance
• 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 — Required Experience

As a Restaurant Innovation Group Director, you must have: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Progressive leadership experience in restaurant, retail, or operations innovation
• Proven ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional initiatives
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Experience leveraging data and analytics to drive decisions
• Demonstrated ability to influence and align senior stakeholders
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills
• Experience managing multiple complex priorities in a fast-paced environment

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

As a Restaurant Innovation Group Director, we prefer you to have: 

• Experience in QSR or multi-unit restaurant environments
• Background in digital, technology, or process innovation
• Familiarity with pilot design, testing methodologies, and scaling strategies
• Experience with change management and adoption strategies
• MBA or advanced degree in a related field
• Continuous improvement mindset (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar)
• Passion for enhancing guest and team member experiences

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