Regional Human Resources Manager - Phoenix, AZ

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 Regional Human Resources Manager, you will serve as a strategic partner to Operations by leading HR and Talent Acquisition functions across your region. You will equip leaders with guidance on talent planning, employee relations, compliance, and workforce strategies to strengthen the performance and culture of our restaurants. Your leadership helps teams Make a Difference by supporting Family Members with fairness and care; Serve with Heart by fostering trust, engagement, and growth; Win as One through cross‑functional partnership and alignment with Operations; and Move Forward Boldly by driving process enhancements, organizational development, and proactive HR solutions that meet the evolving needs of the business.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

As a Regional Human Resources Manager, you will:

• Lead regional HR and Talent Acquisition strategies that align with business needs and future workforce demands.
• Provide guidance on talent planning, succession planning, and career development programs.
• Partner with leaders on employee relations investigations, including EEOC, DOL, discrimination, and other sensitive cases.
• Advise on performance management, coaching, mediations, and organizational assessments.
• Interpret employment laws (Wage & Hour, FLSA, Title VII) and ensure HR practices remain compliant.
• Build strong cross‑functional partnerships to support HR programs, governance policies, and operational initiatives.
• Recommend and implement improvements to HR programs, processes, and policies.
• Support restaurant strategic planning, hiring strategies, and retention initiatives.
• Contribute to turnover reporting and influence retention through proactive HR solutions.
• Onboard and acclimate new operating partners and support staff.
• Educate management on maintaining fair, inclusive employment practices

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As a Regional Human Resources 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
• 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 Regional Human Resources Manager, you must have: 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 6–8+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably in the restaurant industry (levels vary by experience).
• Proficiency with MS Office and HRIS platforms (including Workday).
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, including Wage & Hour, FLSA, and Title VII.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, coach, and advise leaders at multiple levels.
• Skills in workforce planning, conflict resolution, and managing multiple priorities.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and navigate sensitive issues.

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

As a Regional Human Resources Manager, we prefer you to have: 

• PHR and/or SHRM‑CP certification.
• Advanced understanding of budget concepts, HR project management, and organizational strategy.
• Experience mentoring HR team members or leading multi‑project HR workstreams. (Derived from leadership and scope responsibilities)

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