Whataburger

Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager

Whataburger  •  $401k/yr  •  United States (Onsite)  •  26 days ago
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Job Description

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 Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager, you will help bring Whataburger's growth strategy to life by supporting the successful planning and execution of restaurant construction projects. You'll partner across teams, vendors, and stakeholders to keep projects moving forward on time, within budget, and aligned with Whataburger standards.

In this role, you'll Make a Difference by helping deliver restaurant locations that create opportunities for Guests, Team Members, and communities. You'll Serve with Heart through strong partnerships and a commitment to supporting project teams every step of the way. You'll Win as One by collaborating across Real Estate, Construction, Operations, and external partners to achieve shared goals. And you'll Move Forward Boldly by anticipating challenges, solving problems, and driving progress throughout the pre-construction process.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

As a Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager, you will:

  • Support the execution of restaurant construction projects across an assigned portfolio
  • Coordinate project schedules, milestones, and deliverables
  • Track project progress and communicate status updates to stakeholders
  • Assist with budget monitoring, forecasting, and reporting
  • Coordinate with vendors, consultants, and external partners
  • Support contract administration and project documentation
  • Identify project risks and escalate issues proactively
  • Prepare project reports, presentations, and meeting materials
  • Ensure compliance with project standards, processes, and requirements
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to drive project execution
  • Coach and support assigned team members
  • Manage team workloads and contribute to performance development
  • Perform additional duties as assigned

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As a Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager, you will receive:

  • Competitive Weekly Pay
  • Bonus Program that scales up to 2.5X payout potential based on company results
  • Company Vehicle
  • 5 weeks PTO
  • 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 Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager, you must have:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
  • 4+ years of construction, project management, or related experience
  • Knowledge of construction project management principles
  • Strong project coordination and organizational skills
  • Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Financial acumen with budget tracking and reporting experience
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

As a Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager, we prefer you to have:

  • Experience supporting new unit or retail development projects
  • Experience in restaurant, retail, or commercial construction
  • Knowledge of permitting, entitlement, or pre-construction processes
  • Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously
  • Familiarity with contract administration and vendor management
  • Experience working with cross-functional corporate and field teams
  • Project management certification or coursework (PMP, CAPM, or similar)

Where & How You’ll Work

This role is field‑based, supporting restaurants across an assigned market or region. You’ll travel frequently to partner with Operations, provide on‑site support, and maintain strong relationships with leaders and teams in the field. When not traveling, you’ll work from your home office, balancing independent work with virtual collaboration to support ongoing business needs. Success in this role requires full‑time availability, flexibility to adjust to evolving operational priorities, and the ability to travel regularly—including day trips, overnight travel, and extended market visits. While most travel will occur within your assigned market or region, some out‑of‑market support may be required based on business needs.

Candidates must reside within the region they support and be able to travel throughout that area as needed.

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

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903

Whataburger

About Whataburger

On Aug. 8, 1950, an adventurous and determined entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson opened up the world’s first Whataburger on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, Texas. He had a simple goal: to serve a burger so big it took two hands to hold and so good that after one bite customers would say, “What a burger!” He succeeded on both counts and turned that one little burger stand into a legend loved throughout Texas and the South.

Today, each and every Whataburger is made to order, right when it’s ordered. And they’re still made with 100 percent pure, never-frozen beef and served on a big toasted five-inch bun with all “the extras” to suit your taste. Grilled jalapeños, extra bacon, three slices of cheese, no tomatoes, extra pickles? No problem. Your Whataburger will be made just like you like it, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Whataburger’s following has grown exponentially in its more than 75-year history, thanks to a number of features, including its famous burgers and growing list of menu items, its iconic orange-and-white-striped restaurants and its famous Fancy Ketchup.

Whataburger is more than a burger chain. It’s a place that feels like home to more than 51,000 employees, called Family Members, and millions of customers. It’s a brand built on pride, care and love. It’s a place people count on in their communities. It’s a place where goodness lives. So now with more than 1,100 Whataburger restaurants across 16 states stretching from Las Vegas to the Carolinas, road-trippers and hometown folks alike continue gathering under the big orange-and-white roofs for fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly service.

Industry
Food & Beverage
Company Size
10,000+ employees
Headquarters
San Antonio, Texas
Year Founded
1950
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