Bill Barreto: Why you should launch a career in maintenance at Walgreens
Whether it’s a quick stop for a refreshing beverage or a much-needed over-the-counter medication, our customers and patients depend on Walgreens to have the products and services they need. And behind the scenes, our supply chain and distribution functions are integral to ensuring we have products on shelves that are available for customers when those needs arise.
Sometimes there are unexpected barriers to getting shipments out on time to our nearly 9,000 store locations, such as electrical and conveyor system issues at our distribution facilities. Our maintenance teams are responsible for keeping these facilities operating, including repairing system problems as soon as they are discovered. Having qualified, experienced team members in our maintenance department is essential to making sure distribution operations run smoothly and products can get to our stores on time. Bill Barreto, director of supply chain field maintenance at Walgreens, shares his experience building a career in field maintenance.
Over 25 years ago, Barreto began his career in industrial design engineering of material handling systems, where he found his passion for turnkey project ideas that developed into real-life systems.
“It was so gratifying watching these ideas add value to our business,” Barreto shared.
As a self-described lifelong learner, Barreto attributes that desire to gain knowledge in his field as a driver for his success, noting that his leadership style is due to his early career work in strategic designs and his current work in supporting preventive maintenance programs.
Barreto will celebrate nine years with Walgreens in May 2024. In his current role, he supports supply chain field maintenance teams focused on standardization, centralization and financial efficiencies for the entire distribution operations network. He connects different teams, vendors, team members and leaders to keep our distribution centers running smoothly at all times, making sure we meet customer needs by getting product to where it’s needed most: to the communities we serve.
“In the world of maintenance, there is never a dull moment, and thanks to our highly skilled field maintenance teams, we’ve collectively been able to support our stores very effectively,” shared Barreto.
Job Outlook
According to Zippia.com, field maintenance is an “in-demand” career area, in which job seekers can launch a career as a technician with a high school diploma or GED qualification. Walgreens also offers leadership opportunities in this field such as maintenance manager, which can also lead to opportunities in other areas of management within our distribution network.
“My advice would be, if you enjoy using your hands, body and mind and gathering the fulfillment from preventing failures before they present themselves or repairing an unexpected failure, field maintenance is the place for you,” Barreto noted.
Learn more about maintenance opportunities available at Walgreens at jobs.walgreens.com