Market Leader (Area Manager) - Phoenix, Arizona

About the role

As a Market Leader in Operations at Whataburger, you will lead 8-12 restaurants generating over $30M in annual revenue and guide hundreds of Family Members (employees).

Responsibilities

• Bring Whataburger’s vision to life across your market.
• Lead multi-unit operations by setting performance expectations, driving operational excellence, and ensuring each restaurant delivers outstanding guest and Family Member experiences.
• Make a difference through strategic planning, problem-solving, and guiding Operating Partners to meet and exceed goals.
• Serve with heart by coaching and developing leaders at all levels—using a teaching-driven, relationship-first approach to build capability, confidence, and cultural strength.
• Win as one through strong partnership and influence, collaborating across teams to execute company initiatives and maintain alignment with brand standards.
• Move forward boldly by identifying opportunities, initiating change, and inspiring teams to adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment.
• Model Whataburger’s values daily and set the tone for operational discipline, accountability, and a strong people-first culture.

Requirements

• 8+ years of multi-unit leadership in the QSR or hospitality industry.
• Demonstrated skill in influencing, coaching, communication, and change leadership.
• Strong capability in strategic planning, prioritization, time management, and decision-making.
• Experience analyzing sales, labor, food safety, and operational metrics.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience developing talent pipelines and succession plans.
• Background in high-growth, multi-state, or franchise operations.
• Advanced proficiency with operational systems, reporting tools, or portfolio management.

Qualifications

• Very competitive salary + bonus.
• Opportunity to earn equity (Incentive Units).
• Company Vehicle.
• Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with $1/$1 match up to 4%.
• Generous PTO benefits.
• Leadership and development programs.
• A high-impact role in an iconic brand that’s just getting started.

The Sauce

• Pay & Perks:
• Very competitive salary + bonus.
• Opportunity to earn equity (Incentive Units).
• Company Vehicle.
• Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with $1/$1 match up to 4%.
• Generous PTO benefits.
• Limited physical requirements: Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds, stand and sit for extended periods, read reports, emails, menu boards, receipts, etc., use computers, telephones, and office equipment.

Where & How You’ll Work

• Multi-market regional oversight - must be able to travel both locally and long distances (including air and overnight travel), to worksites, meeting sites, and other locations.
• Full-time, flexible hours (some nights/weekends).
• Must be able to report to work timely and as required by operational/business needs.

What It Takes, Physically

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Must be able to stand and sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to read (reports, e-mails, menu board, receipts, etc.).
• Must be able to use computers, telephones, and office equipment.

Why Whataburger?

• Lead a $30M+ region and impact hundreds of family members (employees).
• Be part of a brand where internal promotion is served up as much as our #1 Whataburger.
• Shape a legacy that’s still growing — with you at the table.
• 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.