Mixed Emotions
Pros
Working at Mars allows you to work with great people - and some very experienced people. The development aspect is constant and not just rhetoric. They are very good with basic flexibility; starting early/finishing late and working from home can be an option although it is based on line management approval. Benefits are pretty good with the pension scheme being exceptional. There are always a lot of projects going on and you will never be bored! There is a lot of focus on engagement and well-being.
Cons
Unfortunately, line management at Mars changes a lot and can be very varied - I had 3 line managers in my first 18 months. There are a lot of challenging line managers and even if multiple people complain, nothing is done. Fundamental flexible working is not great with multiple people being refused the option; if you are not in the right position, level or in with the right people, it won't happen. Whilst the benefits are great, base salary leaves a lot to be desired. Trying to get promoted in Mars is really difficult; it is even challenging to go horizontally. They put you in boxes through an annual leadership review and you get no real say in it. It is through this where they decide whether you are leadership potential or not. Trying to get things done is a nightmare - sometimes you have/want to be incredibly quick but the red tape and collaboration means that it is difficult to be quick. It can take months to do things that should only take a few days. Sometimes, you are close to the end and your project is deprioritised and all your work is wasted which is incredibly disengaging. Whilst there is a focus on engagement, it is about numbers and exercise - I think it use to mean something but it has lost its focus.
