If you're talented, driven, and want to be challenged/developed -- GO ELSEWHERE. - Category Specialist Walmart Employee Review

1.0
Jan 26, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The only positive quality of working at this company is that you know its going to be around for the next several years, so basically job security.

Cons

I've been working at Walmart eCommerce for almost a year as a Category Specialist. When I was first hired, I was truly excited for the direction the company was going in to compete with Amazon. Aside from a smooth, yet misleading interview process, my entire experience thus far has been very unsatisfactory and has me looking to get out ASAP. Pay & Benefits-- For starters, if you apply to a Category Management role in the SF Bay Area, you will not be compensated for your market worth and will definitely be underpaid. The recruiters make it seem like the 10k bonus (or rather 6k bonus, after taxes) is a selling point-- don't let that fool you. In addition, you would think the benefits would help offset the lower salary, but that is definitely not the case. I know this may sound arrogant and a bit entitled, but when you're a company that makes millions in hours and you're also competing for top talent with Amazon, let alone in the Bay Area, you've got to step your game up. Culture-- Aside from mediocre pay and benefits, the office culture reeks of bureaucracy, politics, rigidness, and saps one of any energy and drive. It seems like most people are content and just going through the motions, while others are trying to turn Walmart into something its not-- an actually innovative and forward thinking company. Walmart's biggest selling point is that you get the experience of both a start up and big company-- but from my experience, any attempt at innovating, challenging the status quo, or simply lobbying to get projects worked on (because everything has to be approved by a director, director's director, VP, and so forth) makes it extremely difficult "to move with speed", "agility", or "change the way we work"-- nothing but fictional words and phrases used to create the allure of a company that wants to be considered in the same league as its competitors. Management- During my time with the company, I've reported to 3 different managers- some better than others, but for the most part, management seems to lack the emotional intelligence/people skills required to develop and retain employees. I've never been in such a hierarchical-based company. At other companies I've worked for, even directors and leaders that your manager reports to would make time to hear your perspective and develop you. At Walmart, your manager is the only person who really gets to communicate to leadership about your progress, thus if you don't agree with everything your manager says, you are seen as being defiant or "not performing well".

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5.0
Jun 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

good benefits, the store has great leadership

Cons

cannot think of any for now

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Walmart Response
12h
Thank you for being a valued part of the Walmart team and for sharing this wonderful review.
5.0
Jun 2, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Advancement opportunities, great at developing skills, great place to learn a skill and grow your resume, or grow with the company.

Cons

Understaffing issues negatively affects all parts of their business. However, Walmart has increased their minimum hourly rate with hopes to attract more committed employees, and retain better employees.

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Walmart Response
4y
Thank you so very much for this review and advice. We value this and will be sharing with our leadership teams.
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