H.J. Heinz Limited – “A good place overall”

Pros

Heinz has become a healthy company and is growing steadily. The business prospects are good. In many job functions, Heinz pays quite well. Not all functions are world-class yet, but they are getting there. The amount of "office politics" play seems relatively low compared to many companies of similar size. By and large, people are focused on getting the work done. Long hours are generally not expected. Most people work around 40 hrs/week. The offices are empty on weekends.

Cons

In some departments (mainly the less-glamorous ones, like accounting or some parts of operations) people tend to be less satisfied with where they are; that shows and perhaps affects the overall morale to some degree. Inter-departmental rotations are possible, but not easy to get; opportunities for international assignments are hard to come by.

Advice to Senior Management

Introduce formal rotational programs to multiple areas of the business. Yes, it is important. Speed up decision making regarding offers, promotions, etc.