Move is part of an effort to support ongoing growth

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart plans to hire an additional 20,000 workers in its distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and transportation offices, the company said Wednesday. The retailer will hold special hiring events on September 8 and 9 in an effort to attract the best and brightest candidates to staff its supply chain locations and support its ongoing growth.

“We’ll be filling a wide range of roles, including order fillers, freight handlers, lift drivers, technicians and management positions,”  Joe Metzger, executive vice president of supply chain operations, and Karisa Sprague, senior vice president for people and supply chain, wrote. “These positions will be permanent roles and will be offered in both full-and part-time capacities.”

The executives added that Walmart recognizes that offering competitive pay is critical to its efforts to build a future-ready supply chain network, and noted that the average wage for its supply chain associates is $20.37 per hour.

Joe Metzger, executive vice president of supply chain operations, Walmart U.S.

“To help associates gain the experiences and skills needed for success in the jobs of today and tomorrow, Walmart has invested in associate development and growth opportunities, including opening six new Walmart Academies to support the supply chain business,” the executives wrote. “Walmart 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, we trained approximately 5,900 associates via the Walmart U.S. Supply Chain Academy, including in-person and virtual trainings.

“In addition to job-focused training at Walmart Academies, we also encourage associates to pursue further education with Live Better U. This year, 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.

“And finally, we prioritize the health and wellness of our associates and their families. 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 LBGTQ+ community and veteran and military spouse support. We are also offering our 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.

“For our supply chain to continue expanding, innovating and improving our customer service, we need a strong, dynamic team leading it. We’re excited to meet the new associates who are going to join our team.”

Metzger previously announced that Walmart plans to add high-tech automation systems to its supply chain facilities. The retailer is also adding high-tech grocery distribution centers.