Vendor Services Specialist

Welcome to Whataburger Careers!

Summary Description : This position is responsible for managing specific categories of indirect goods and services within the centralized indirect procurement department.

Develops and implements category strategies, conducts market analysis, manages supplier relationships, and drives cost optimization initiatives.

Collaborates with internal stakeholders, executes strategic sourcing activities, and ensures compliance with procurement policies and procedures.

Responsibilities :

• Conducts market research and analysis to identify trends, assesses supplier capabilities, and identifies opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
• Leads strategic sourcing initiatives for the assigned categories, including conducting RFx processes (RFI, RFQ, RFP), supplier evaluation, and negotiation of contract terms and pricing.
• Identifies potential suppliers, analyzes bids and proposals, and makes recommendations for supplier selection based on cost, quality, and service level requirements.
• Manages relationships with suppliers within the assigned categories, including ongoing performance evaluations, contract management, and issue resolution.
• Conducts supplier assessments, monitors supplier performance against key performance indicators (KPIs), and implements improvement plans as needed.
• Identifies cost reduction opportunities within the assigned categories through analysis of spend data, market trends, and supplier capabilities.
• Implements cost-saving initiatives such as supplier consolidation, demand management, and process efficiencies.
• Monitors pricing trends, negotiates favorable terms, and drives value for the organization through effective supplier management.
• Manages contracts and agreements with suppliers, ensuring compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards.

Review and negotiate contract terms and conditions, ensuring clarity, risk mitigation, and alignment with business objectives.

• Analyzes procurement data, spend patterns, and market intelligence to identify opportunities for improvement, cost savings, and supplier performance enhancements.
• Collaborates with internal stakeholders, including cross-functional teams, business unit leaders, and budget owners, to understand their requirements, provide procurement expertise, and ensure alignment with category strategies.
• Identifies and implements process improvements, standardization initiatives, and automation opportunities to enhance procurement efficiency and effectiveness.

Education :

Bachelor’s degree Business, Supply Chain Management or equivalent combination of related collage education and experience

Experience :

• Experience in contributing to the management of projects is preferred
• 6 months experience preferably in a purchasing or category management preferably in a restaurant industry

Knowledge, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

• Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, and Visio (as applicable)
• Proficiency in JD Edwards (as applicable)
• Ability to work in a team environment

Working Conditions / Travel Requirements :

• Expected to work the necessary time to satisfactorily fulfill job responsibilities
• Must be able to report to work timely and as required by operational / business needs
• Must be able to work a full-time schedule and work outside of normal business hours when necessary
• Some travel, both locally and long distances, (including air travel), to worksites, meeting sites, and other locations may be necessary less than 50%.

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903