H-E-B to host its largest career fair yet

Dive Brief:

On Tuesday, H-E-B will host its “largest ever one-day hiring event” to help fill full- and part-time store-level positions, according to a Thursday press release.
The Texas grocer asked that prospective employees fill out online applications in advance of on-site interviews, which will take place at all of the stores under the H-E-B, Central Market and Mi Tienda banners. Soon-to-open locations won’t participate in the career fair.
This large-scale career fair comes after a surge in grocery store employment throughout June and July.

Dive Insight:

While H-E-B’s career fair will be held at all of its existing stores under the three banners, candidates will only be eligible for roles at the store they visit.

The grocer is hiring for a variety of hourly jobs, including curbside pickup roles, checkers, produce and deli representatives and artisan bakers. Roles are also available in H-E-B’s True Texas BBQ restaurants. “For interviews, translators and disability accommodations will be available upon request,” the announcement noted.

According to the press release, H-E-B employees will receive competitive pay — with a majority of jobs, including checker and in-store shopper, starting at $15 per hour — as well as medical, dental and vision benefits; 10% off store brand products; and “career and leadership development.” H-E-B also provides employees with the opportunity to be an H-E-B Partner Stock Plan owner as well as participate in the 401(k) with a company match.

Currently employing more than 145,000 workers, the retailer is continuing to expand through new store openings, omnichannel operations and expanding its workforce.

H-E-B’s hiring efforts come at a time when grocery jobs are on the rise after the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics saw two consecutive months of growth in the food retailing job market following a decline in May. This follows the trend of numerous grocers’ efforts to bring in new employees after encountering labor shortages spurred by the pandemic.

Kroger held an all-day hybrid job fair in June in hopes of securing 10,000 new employees across its banners. The grocer conducted interviews both virtually and at stores for retail positions as well as jobs in its e-commerce, manufacturing, pharmacy and logistics departments.