Novelis Kennesaw R&D is a magnet for poor management ever since it was established - Managing research scientist Novelis Employee Review

1.0
Feb 8, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The office space and the labs are world class but the lab's management and R&D leadership is a joke.

Cons

Ever since the Kennesaw lab's establishment, the R&D of Novelis has seen a continuous parade of incompetent VP of R&D / CRDO / CTO every 2 to 3 years. These individuals have no other leadership prospects within Novelis which actually seems to be the criteria to get this job. After getting this position they start a "reorg" without a thorough research of the issues. In the name of fixing problems, they may solve some issues but crucially create new ones which brews for 2 to 3 years for the next person in this role to "fix" in a new reorg. As a result, there is no stability in the org structure, there never has been. Its no surprise there has been no tangible output from R&D ever since the Kennesaw lab was established. There never will be one.

Explore other reviews about Novelis

5.0
Jul 9, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It is a good company

Cons

No cons except the location

1.0
May 19, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The strongest part of Novelis is the people at the working level. There are a lot of smart, capable, and genuinely friendly employees across the business who are willing to collaborate and help each other succeed in a challenging environment. The company also offers a relatively flexible hybrid work policy compared to many industrial/manufacturing organizations, which helps with work-life balance. Benefits are generally competitive and above average for the industry.

Cons

The employee experience has become increasingly difficult due to constant reorganizations, unclear ownership structures, and growing pressure to deliver more work with fewer resources. High performers are often rewarded with additional responsibilities without meaningful increases in compensation, title progression, or organizational support. Many functions operate in a constant state of firefighting, with priorities regularly shifting based on operational issues or leadership changes. There is also a disconnect between leadership messaging and the day-to-day experience for employees. Collaboration and empowerment are emphasized, but decision-making often feels centralized and reactive. Career progression can feel inconsistent and heavily dependent on timing, politics, or leadership turnover rather than performance alone. Morale across the organization has suffered as workloads have increased while teams remain lean. Employees are frequently expected to absorb responsibilities outside of their original scope, and strategic or long-term thinking often takes a back seat to immediate operational pressures.

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