WAWA, Pa.—Wawa stores are looking for more than just a few good employees. In fact, the chain wants to hire 5,000 new associates—full and part time—during the next three months to staff its 650 Mid-Atlantic and 210 Florida stores during the busy summer, according to a company news release.
A result of the seasonal and store growth across Wawa’s operating area, the new jobs include both store-level customer service, supervisory and management-level positions. The convenience retailer said it welcomes diverse backgrounds and experiences, and the large-scale hiring effort furthers Wawa’s overall commitment to provide job opportunities in local communities that could lead to long-lasting career.
Anyone interested in career opportunities at Wawa is encouraged to apply online, following a trend of c-stores using technology to assist with the hiring process. During the recent NACS HR Forum, GPM Investments discussed how the company pivoted to using virtual hiring events in order to fill important positions.
Wawa is also providing several bonuses to current employees as well as new hires. The chain is offering a $75 incentive for associates who receive the COVID-19 vaccine. New hires in certain positions will be offered a bonus of $125 starting April 1 and ending June 15, 2021. The bonus will be paid after an associate’s 90th day of employment.
Those associates who stay with Wawa longer term will share directly in the company’s growth through Wawa’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Via ESOP, Wawa helps associates prepare for their future and for retirement. The ESOP is provided to associates in addition to other core benefits including a 401k match and comes at no cost to the employee. Today, Wawa, through the ESOP, is almost 40% owned by associates, the company said.
“At Wawa, we have made a commitment to providing needed products and services, and our associates have enabled us to play an essential role in our communities during the past year. As we continue to grow our stores, services and product offers, we are thrilled to announce a number of new jobs and advancement opportunities for our associates. Beyond adding new stores in 2021, Wawa has exciting future plans that provide our communities with more convenience than ever before,” said Stephanie Capaccio, director of people team operations, Wawa.
Listen to Chris Gheysens, president and CEO of Wawa, discuss how Wawa tests concepts and experiments within its portfolio in our Lessons in Leadership learning series. In addition, hear from Brian Hannasch, president and CEO of Alimentation Couche-Tard; Travis Sheetz, president and COO of Sheetz; and other leaders, give exclusive interviews to NACS about the future of the convenience industry. Watch their Lessons in Leadership today. The series is available for on-demand viewing until April 30, 2021.