Walmart, like everyone else, is concerning about having a strong supply chain in place, as eCommerce continues to grow. Citing the FY 22 Q 2 earnings, which were $141 billion, up 2.4%, including eCommerce sales increase of 6% and 103% on a two-year stack, and the need to keep up with the business, the company said they will be hiring 20,000 new associates. The jobs will be located across more than 250 Walmart and Sam’s Club distribution centers (DCs), fulfillment centers (FCs) and transportation offices
“Innovation across all areas of the business had a huge impact on our growth, and earlier this year, we shared plans to roll out high-tech automation systems to our facilities in addition to high-tech grocery distribution centers,” said Joe Metzger, executive vice president of Supply Chain Operations, and Karisa Sprague, senior vice president, People, Supply Chain, Walmart U.S.
At a variety of locations across the country, the company said it will be filling a wide range of roles, including order fillers, freight handlers, lift drivers, technicians and management positions.
These positions will be permanent roles and will be offered in both full-and part-time capacities. The average wage for supply chain associates is $20.37 per hour.
The company insists that these jobs have the potential to lead to a “limitless and rewarding career,” pointing out that the majority of its managers started their careers in roles such as an order filler, and now have responsibility for leading a team of associates.
To help provides the skills necessary for both current and future jobs, Walmart will open six new Walmart Academies to support the supply chain business. The Academies immerse associates in a training program that allows them to receive both classroom and DC/FC floor training in specialized supply chain skills and soft skills like leadership, communications and change management. In FY21, the company trained 5,900 associates via the Walmart U.S. Supply Chain Academy, including in-person and virtual training.
Another education effort, introduced this year is the Live Better U. Walmart announced that it would pay 100% of the cost of tuition and books for Live Better U – allowing supply chain associates to achieve bachelor’s degrees debt-free.
Covering all of its bases the company also said that medical coverage starts at $30.50 per pay period – approximately one-third less than the average premium employees pay at other companies. That’s in addition to maternity and paternal benefits, emotional well-being benefits, healthcare tailored to the LGBTQ+ community and veteran and military spouse support.
With regard to COVID-19, the company offers field-based associates – including supply chain – a $150 cash bonus for getting the COVID-19 vaccination. New associates who get vaccinated before October 4, or who were already vaccinated prior to their hire date, are eligible for the bonus.
