Initial conversation with the recruiter was a friendly chat and overall went well. She asked me if I had any direct managerial experience as that was a requirement for the role. I clearly explained that I didn't, but detailed the managing responsibilities I had taken on in the past that could be relevant - people I've coached and guided towards delivery, as well previously being a department lead. She said that was fine, and put me through to the first round. The person I met with had not looked at my CV, was not familiar with my background and it became clear that the internal structure was chaotic. They didn't seem sure of what they were looking for or the role specifications day-to-day. The interviewer had been doing some of this role ad-hoc themselves in the interim, which presented some ownership and politics issues in how it was described. A number of red flags around process and culture were raised. We went through quite a lot of in-depth questions, which I responded to at length. At the very end, I was asked about management experience. I replied exactly as I had with the recruiter. It was visibly clear from the interviewer's face that they wouldn't be progressing with me. Immediate mood change. The entire call was uncomfortable and I'd been pointlessly grilled. Extremely poor experience with internal disconnect and an utter waste of my time.