What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr HRIS Specialist position at Whataburger?
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 an HRIS Analyst you’ll lead complex system configuration and process design for Whataburger's Human Capital Management Systems (HCMS), with a focus on Workday Compensation, Advanced Compensation, Benefits, and Talent & Performance. The role serves as a senior functional and technical advisor, partnering with HR and business stakeholders to analyze needs, define and document requirements, and design, implement, test, and support system solutions that drive business improvements. This position owns enhancement and run-the-business requests and is responsible for the configuration, maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, and reporting of HCMS solutions across the full compensation, benefits, and talent lifecycle. Through close collaboration with business and technical subject-matter experts, the role ensures system functionality aligns with operational needs, supports end-user adoption, and enables efficient, scalable HR processes.
Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities
As an HRIS Analyst you will:
- Serve as a Tier 2/Tier 3 escalation resource for Workday HCMS modules, advising on system functionality and best practices across Compensation, Advanced Compensation, Benefits, and Talent & Performance.
- Configure and maintain Workday compensation cycles, benefits plans, enrollment events, and talent and performance review processes.
- Identify and resolve system issues, perform root cause analysis, and escalate risks to ensure system stability and security.
- Lead and execute system testing, including UAT, regression testing, and Workday biannual release reviews.
- Partner with HR, IT, and business stakeholders to gather requirements, drive system changes, and maintain documentation and process flows.
- Build and deliver advanced reports and analytics — including EIBs, calculated fields, and advanced, matrix, and composite reports.
The Sauce — Pay & Perks
As an HRIS Analyst you’ll receive:
- Competitive Weekly Pay
- Bonus Program that scales up to 2.5X payout potential based on company results
- 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 — Must-Have Experience
As an HRIS Analyst you must have:
- Advanced knowledge of Workday functional configuration, including business processes, eligibility rules, calculated fields, and EIB integrations.
- Working knowledge of compensation fundamentals including merit cycles, bonus programs, grade profiles, and budgetary concepts.
- Strong understanding of HR operations and organizational structure, with the ability to navigate cross-functional environments.
- Ability to influence, collaborate, and achieve results across HR and technical teams.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical system capabilities for HR leaders, vendors, and business stakeholders.
- 3–5 years of hands-on Workday configuration experience required, with demonstrated depth in Compensation and Advanced Compensation.
Extra Toppings — Nice to Haves (Optional)
As an HRIS Analyst we prefer you to have:
- Workday Pro certification in Compensation, Advanced Compensation, Benefits, or Talent & Performance.
- Benefits and Talent & Performance configuration strongly preferred.
- Experience in the restaurant/hospitality/retail industries a plus.
Where & How You’ll Work
This role is based at the San Antonio Home Office, working on‑site Monday through Thursday with remote flexibility on Fridays. 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. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the San Antonio Home Office.
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