Real Estate Pre-Construction Project Manager

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.

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.

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

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

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)

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