Consumer and Market Insights 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 Consumer and Market Insights Director, you will lead the strategy and execution of consumer, customer, category, and market intelligence efforts that shape the future of Whataburger. By transforming research and data into actionable business recommendations, you’ll help leaders make informed decisions that strengthen the brand, elevate the customer experience, and accelerate growth. In this role, you’ll Make a Difference by uncovering insights that drive meaningful business outcomes, Serve with Heart by championing the voice of the consumer in every decision, Win as One by partnering across the organization to align insights with strategy, and Move Forward Boldly by identifying emerging opportunities, challenging assumptions, and helping the business stay ahead of changing consumer and market dynamics.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

As a Consumer and Market Insights Director, you will:

• Lead consumer and market research initiatives that support business strategy.
• Translate insights into actionable recommendations and business decisions.
• Partner with Marketing, Operations, Finance, and Innovation leaders to solve business challenges.
• Oversee qualitative and quantitative research programs.
• Manage syndicated research, competitive intelligence, and market monitoring.
• Identify consumer, customer, and category trends that influence growth.
• Develop executive-ready presentations and strategic recommendations.
• Establish research methodologies, standards, and governance practices.
• Manage research budgets and external vendor relationships.
• Champion the voice of the consumer across the organization.
• Lead, coach, and develop Consumer Insights team members.
• Oversee performance management and team priorities.

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As a Consumer and Market Insights Director, you will receive:

• Competitive Weekly Pay
• Relocation package provided
• Bonus Program
• 5 weeks of PTO Starting on Day One
• 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 also eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance
• Discounted Meals for You and a Guest
• Cell Phone 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 Consumer and Market Insights Director, you must have: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of experience in consumer insights, market research, strategy, or related fields.
• Experience leading qualitative and quantitative research programs.
• Expertise translating research into actionable business strategies.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience presenting insights and recommendations to senior leaders.
• Knowledge of consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive intelligence.
• Experience managing research budgets and vendor partnerships.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and influence skills.
• Experience leading, developing, and mentoring high-performing teams.

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

As a Consumer and Market Insights Director, we prefer you to have: 

• Experience in restaurant, retail, hospitality, or consumer-facing industries.
• Expertise leveraging syndicated data sources and advanced research methodologies.
• Experience supporting brand strategy, innovation, pricing, or customer experience initiatives.
• Proven success building enterprise insights capabilities and governance frameworks.
• Strong executive storytelling and presentation skills.
• Experience integrating multiple data sources into cohesive business recommendations.
• Advanced knowledge of customer segmentation and consumer trend analysis.
• Experience leading insights functions through periods of growth and transformation.
• Master’s degree in Marketing, Business, Consumer Research, Analytics, or a related field.

Where & How You’ll Work

This role is designated as remote, offering flexibility to work from your home office. 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.

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 to specific benefits

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903