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Food Cost Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Your Recipe for Impact - What You'll Do As a Food Cost Analyst, you help protect margins and fuel smart decisions by turning complex financial and operational data into clear, actionable insights.

As a Food Cost Analyst, you'll play a key role in supporting financial performance by analyzing food cost data, identifying trends, and providing insights that help drive smarter business decisions.

Your Recipe for Impact - What You'll Do As a Food Cost Analyst, you help protect margins and fuel smart decisions by turning complex financial and operational data into clear, actionable insights.

The core responsibilities of the Manager - Cost are to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of cost control, storerooms, receiving and assist management in keeping the cost of food, beverage and ...

Food Supervisor

Denver, CO · On-site

$58K - $62K/yr

Responsible for labor and food cost controls as per company specifications. Annual Hiring Range * $58,000 - $62,000/Per Year Benefits: * Paid time off * 401k, with company match * Company sponsored ...

Food Supervisor

Denver, CO · On-site

$58K - $62K/yr

Responsible for labor and food cost controls as per company specifications. Annual Hiring Range * $58,000 - $62,000/Per Year Benefits: * Paid time off * 401k, with company match * Company sponsored ...

Responsible for labor and food cost controls as per company specifications. Annual Hiring Range * $58,000 - $62,000/Per Year Benefits: * Paid time off * 401k, with company match * Company sponsored ...

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Food Cost information

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$39K

$107K

$147K

How much do food cost jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for food cost in the United States is $107,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,500.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Food Cost job?

A Food Cost job typically involves tracking and managing the costs of ingredients and menu items in a restaurant or food service business. Responsibilities include analyzing food expenses, maintaining inventory records, reducing waste, and ensuring profitability. Professionals in this role work closely with chefs, purchasing teams, and management to optimize food costs while maintaining quality standards. Strong analytical skills and knowledge of cost control strategies are essential for success in this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Food Cost position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Food Cost role, a strong background in accounting, inventory management, and food service operations is essential—often supported by a degree in hospitality management or related experience. Familiarity with restaurant management software, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and Excel is highly valuable, while certifications in food safety or cost control add credibility. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals identify cost-saving opportunities and collaborate across departments. These competencies enable accurate cost tracking and budgeting, directly impacting a business's profitability and operational efficiency.

What are the main challenges faced in a Food Cost position, and how can they be managed?

One of the main challenges in a Food Cost role is maintaining accurate records of inventory usage and waste while reacting quickly to fluctuating ingredient prices. This position often requires balancing cost control with quality standards, necessitating collaboration with both kitchen staff and management. Effective communication, ongoing data analysis, and regular inventory audits are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Job seekers should be prepared to adapt to new menu items, seasonal changes, and emerging supply chain issues, all of which can impact food costs. Proactively managing these factors ensures the business meets its financial goals without compromising on customer satisfaction.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Cost jobs? The most popular types of Food Cost jobs are:
Infographic showing various Food Cost job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,007 per year, or $51.4 per hour.
Food Cost Analyst

Food Cost Analyst

Whataburger

San Antonio, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Whataburger rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 1,115 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 104 rated fast food restaurants


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 Food Cost Analyst, you help protect margins and fuel smart decisions by turning complex financial and operational data into clear, actionable insights. Your work directly supports menu strategy, restaurant performance, and longterm profitability.

In this role, you Make a Difference by identifying food cost trends, risks, and opportunities that improve financial performance across the business. Serve with Heart by delivering accurate, timely analysis that leaders and partners can trust when making critical decisions. Win as One by partnering closely with Finance, Supply Chain, Operations, and crossfunctional teams to strengthen cost visibility and alignment. Move Forward Boldly by challenging assumptions, improving reporting processes, and helping the business adapt through datadriven insights.

Day-to-Day Ingredients - Responsibilities

As a Food Cost Analyst, you will:

  • Analyze food cost, commodity, and operational data to identify trends, variances, and risks
  • Monitor performance against budget and forecast; investigate drivers and recommend actions
  • Develop and maintain financial models, dashboards, and reporting tools
  • Support budgeting, forecasting, and longrange planning related to food and input costs
  • Prepare clear analysis, reports, and presentations for leadership decisionmaking
  • Partner with Finance and crossfunctional teams to ensure data accuracy and consistency
  • Evaluate financial impact of operational initiatives and strategic decisions
  • Identify opportunities to improve reporting efficiency, data quality, and analytical processes

The Sauce - Pay & Perks

As a Food Cost Analyst, you will 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 - Required Experience

As aFood Cost Analyst, youmust have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Data Analytics, or a related field
  • Experience in financial or business analysis involving large datasets
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data
  • Experience with variance, trend, and performance analysis
  • Proficiency in financial modeling, reporting, and data analysis tools
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • High attention to detail with strong problemsolving and organizational skills

Extra Toppings - Desired Experience

As a Food Cost Analyst, we prefer you to have:

  • Experience with food cost, commodity pricing, or costofgoods analysis
  • Exposure to budgeting and forecasting in a multiunit or restaurant environment
  • Experience partnering crossfunctionally with Operations or Supply Chain teams
  • Familiarity with dashboarding, automation, or reporting optimization

Where & How You'll Work

This role is based at the San Antonio Home Office, working onsite 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 fastpaced and requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and strong collaboration skills. Fulltime 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

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903

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