Food Cost Analyst

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 Food Cost Analyst, you help protect margins and fuel smart decisions by turning complex financial and operational data into clear, actionable insights. Your work directly supports menu strategy, restaurant performance, and long‑term profitability.

In this role, you Make a Difference by identifying food cost trends, risks, and opportunities that improve financial performance across the business. Serve with Heart by delivering accurate, timely analysis that leaders and partners can trust when making critical decisions. Win as One by partnering closely with Finance, Supply Chain, Operations, and cross‑functional teams to strengthen cost visibility and alignment. Move Forward Boldly by challenging assumptions, improving reporting processes, and helping the business adapt through data‑driven insights.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

As a Food Cost Analyst, you will:

• Analyze food cost, commodity, and operational data to identify trends, variances, and risks
• Monitor performance against budget and forecast; investigate drivers and recommend actions
• Develop and maintain financial models, dashboards, and reporting tools
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and long‑range planning related to food and input costs
• Prepare clear analysis, reports, and presentations for leadership decision‑making
• Partner with Finance and cross‑functional teams to ensure data accuracy and consistency
• Evaluate financial impact of operational initiatives and strategic decisions
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting efficiency, data quality, and analytical processes

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As a Food Cost Analyst, 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
• 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 — Required Experience

As a Food Cost Analyst, you must have: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Data Analytics, or a related field
• Experience in financial or business analysis involving large datasets
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data
• Experience with variance, trend, and performance analysis
• Proficiency in financial modeling, reporting, and data analysis tools
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail with strong problem‑solving and organizational skills

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

As a Food Cost Analyst, we prefer you to have: 

• Experience with food cost, commodity pricing, or cost‑of‑goods analysis
• Exposure to budgeting and forecasting in a multi‑unit or restaurant environment
• Experience partnering cross‑functionally with Operations or Supply Chain teams
• Familiarity with dashboarding, automation, or reporting optimization

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