Are you thinking about sending in a Hy-Vee application for a job at this large chain store? Before you do, you should know a little more about the company, its career tracks, and the job opportunities available to you. Here’s what you should know.
About The Company
Hy-Vee is an employee-owned supermarket chain that operates throughout the Midwest United States, with almost 250 locations across eight states. Most of their locations are full-service locations with a wide variety of departments, including some rarely-seen choices like fitness centers and full-service dining locations.
Hy-Vee also has several subsidiaries, including Midwest Heritage Bank, Lomar Distributing, Perishable Distributors of Iowa, D&D Foods, Florist Distributing, Hy-Vee Construction, and Amber Pharmacy. Many of these companies work on or with their supermarket locations to better serve customers.
In total, Hy-Vee employs about 85,000 people.
Employee-Owned?
Hy-Vee’s ownership is split between direct stockholders (executives, basically) and indirect stockholders (people who participate in the company’s 401(k) plan). The indirect stockholders are the largest shareholders in the company.
The net result of this is that a significant number of decisions are made at the store level. This includes what products the store carries, what services they offer, and even how things are displayed in the store. This is a sharp contrast to stores that try to be the same in every location, allowing Hy-Vee to flexibly adjust to each location’s community.
Careers
If you want to submit a Hy-Vee application, this is the most important thing to pay attention to. Hy-Vee has four types of locations, and the jobs available at each one are wildly different. For many positions, applicants must be at least 14 years old, but many won’t hire anyone under 16.
Retail Careers
Retail Careers are the majority of positions that Hy-Vee offers, and they often have hundreds available across their company thanks to the sheer number of stores they have. Individual locations may or may not have a specific position open, of course. These careers usually include customer-facing full-time and part-time positions in a variety of departments.
Retail Jobs
Here are some examples of the types of jobs available at Hy-Vee’s retail locations.
- Assistant Manager: Assistant Managers are the heart of many locations. Aside from hiring other employees, assistant managers are responsible for educating others, assigning and reviewing work, maintaining the standards of the store, and coordinating activities. If you’ve got talent at keeping things organized, this is a good position to consider applying for.
- Certified Pharmacy Technician: In this position, you’ll be working in a pharmacy to serve customers, help customers locate products, handle inquiries that don’t need a pharmacist’s attention, prepare prescriptions, and manage patient information to the highest standards of confidentiality. Logical, mathematical, and multi-tasking abilities are also important.
- Donut Fryer/Artist: Do you like donuts? In this position, you’ll have the opportunity to make and decorate them for customers. This is a fast-paced, independent position, though you’ll often need to follow instructions for creating certain designs on the donuts. On occasion, you may have to add identifying information or request supplies.
- Meat Specialist: Do you know your meats? If so, you may be a good candidate for the Meat Specialist position. This is a physically-intensive job that occasionally requires lifting up to 100 pounds, but also focuses on cutting and selling various types of meats. Meat Specialists occasionally manage the department and offer advice to customers.
- Wine and Spirits Clerk: This job is about more than knowing the different types of alcohol, though that definitely helps with making suggestions. The job also involves managing the section, dealing with regulators, contacting vendors, and occasionally following specific instructions. It’s a high-pressure position, but if you thrive in this environment, it’s worth considering.
Corporate Careers
Unlike some companies, Hy-Vee’s corporate level doesn’t control every detail of the business – but it does help to manage the company as a whole. Most of these jobs (but not quite all of them) are located at their West Des Moines office in Iowa, so chances are you’ll need to move if you’re not already there.
Corporate jobs are generally split between part-time (service positions) and full-time (company management and support), both of which are described below.
Corporate Jobs
Here are some examples of the kinds of corporate jobs Hy-Vee offers. If you’re looking for a stable position with the company, consider directing your Hy-Vee application here.
- Front-End Engineer: In this job, your main focus will be working on interactive web-based solutions for customers. There’s a heavy emphasis on creating a positive User Experience (UX), as well as the ability to pair with others and mentor engineers who aren’t quite as experienced. Expert-level knowledge of programming tools like JavaScript is required.
- Multi-Store Accounting Coordinator: This position centralizes the accounting needs of several stores and reports straight to the Director of Retail Accounting. Typical responsibilities include looking at cash accountability, accounts receivable, and certain inventory procedures. You can also expect to do some phone work and regularly reconcile funds with the main store accounts.
- Test Automation Engineer: This is a Quality Assurance position where you’ll be put in one of Hy-Vee’s teams to help improve the final delivery of software. As a QA expert, it will be your job to ensure that requirements are met, regressions are avoided, and creative solutions are implemented as-needed. Knowledge of the testing tools is critical to success in this position.
Distribution Careers
Stores don’t stock themselves – distributors are a vital part of the company’s daily operations and help to ensure the company continues to function at maximum capacity. If you enjoy mechanical work or driving around, this is the best career track to look at.
Distribution Jobs
Here are some of the jobs available at Hy-Vee’s distribution facilities.
- Distribution Warehouse Generalist 1: This position focuses on quickly finding and selecting the items ordered by customers, then packaging them for shipment in a timely fashion. You’ll also spend time loading merchandise, inspecting deliveries for damage, using a forklift, and acting as a Warehouse Generalist 2 when needed.
- Distribution Warehouse Generalist 2: Not to be confused with the Warehouse Generalist 1 position, this job involves more use of machines to organize pallets and keep the warehouse functioning. The Warehouse Generalist 2 works closely with the Warehouse Generalist 1, and may, in fact, share some tasks based on the current needs of the facility.
- Security Officer: This position frequently switches between Security Patrols and working the Traffic Control Center. In many cases, you’ll be the point of first contact for people arriving at your assigned warehouse, and you’ll spend time monitoring alarm software, checking closed-circuit feeds, and documenting all traffic going in and out.
- Truck Shop Mechanic: Distribution trucks see a lot of use – so it’s no surprise they need regular maintenance. As a Truck Shop Mechanic, you’ll be responsible for replacing worn or broken parts, conducting inspections that adhere to Department of Transportation guidelines, adjusting tires, performing alignments, and recording every bit of maintenance you do.
Subsidiary Careers
These jobs focus on positions at Hy-Vee subsidiaries, though they can cross over slightly with some of the other jobs available. In most cases, these jobs have little or no direct contact with Hy-Vee’s supermarkets.
Subsidiary Jobs
Here are some of the jobs available at Hy-Vee’s subsidiaries.
- Assistant Buyer: As an Assistant Buyer, your job will focus on replenishing the inventory of your location and keeping it as close as possible to the ideal inventory listed by the company’s software. You’ll also be tasked with inventory cycle counts, monitoring orders for accuracy, and occasionally speaking Spanish to help fulfill orders.
- Hy-Vee Relationship Manager: Despite the name, this job takes place at Midwest Heritage Bank and focuses on developing and maintaining relationships with clients. You’ll also work to promote financial products and services, improve operational efficiency, and negotiate the terms and conditions of things the bank offers.
Managing Your Career At Hy-Vee
As you can see, there are far more opportunities than just stocking shelves or being a cashier – and your Hy-Vee application should reflect this. Before you apply for a position, consider your skills and how you want to spend your day. Some jobs are largely sedentary, while others will involve a significant amount of lifting and movement. Neither is inherently better or worse, but it’s something to be aware of.
That said, it’s true that the vast majority of Hy-Vee jobs are local, taking place in and around their supermarket locations. If you’re looking for a corporate, distribution, or subsidiary job, you may need to move closer (assuming you’re hired) so you can commute in a timely manner. Most jobs are part-time, but full-time positions with the company are available in many departments.
Don’t hesitate to apply for any position that you feel truly meets your needs and abilities.