Central welcomes new CEO, Tim Cofer! Tim joined Central Garden & Pet on October 14, 2019 as Central’s CEO. Prior to joining Central, Tim has had over 30 years of business leadership experience across general management, corporate strategy, marketing, sales, R&D and innovation in the consumer products industry. Tim previously worked for over 25 years at Mondelēz International, where he held a variety of executive positions, including most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer. He also held leadership roles in key Kraft Foods U.S. businesses as President, Oscar Mayer Foods and President, Kraft Pizza Company.Tim also led two international high growth regions while at Mondelez, Asia Pacific/Middle East/Africa and Europe.Tim earned a BA in economics and political science from St. Olaf College and received his MBA from the University of Minnesota. Tim is pictured with his beloved dog, Toby.
Kudos to our Garden team at Pennington seed! Central Garden & Pet's Pennington Seed has won the Walmart Supplier of the Year Award for the 11th year!
At Central Garden & Pet, our employees are talented, energetic, and dedicated to the growth and success of our brands. We take pride in providing a great work experience to our employees – including a safe work environment, friendly atmosphere, and a comprehensive compensation & benefit package. Our passion for pets and gardens drives us to create extraordinary experiences every day through innovative product design, expertise, and exceptional service.
Central Garden & Pet Total Rewards
Central Garden & Pet offers Total Rewards that support the well-being of employees and their families, help improve and maintain health, and keep life in balance.
Employees are eligible to participate in our 401k after just three months of employment and Central will match 100% of your annual deferral contributions up to 3% of your base compensation. In addition, many employees are eligible for a yearly $500 profit sharing bonus depending on company results.
Continuous learning is encouraged and provided on-demand through Degreed and other great resources. For those going back to school, Central offers a very generous educational assistance program - up to $15,000 per year for Master's Level programs!
You can choose between two Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) medical plans administered by Anthem: the core plan and the buy-up plan. If you live in Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, or Wisconsin you have access to the POS network.* Prescription drug coverage is included when you enroll in medical coverage. 2019 costs range from $58 for a single plan to $240 for a full family on the Core plan, every two weeks. The Buy-Up plan costs a little more but provides a greater level of coverage and less out-of-pocket costs.
You have a choice of two PPO dental plans administered by Anthem: the core plan and the buy-up plan. You can go to any dentist you choose, but you can take advantage of the PPO’s discounted rates (and reduce your out-of-pocket costs) if you stay in the network. 2019 costs range from just over $3 for single coverage to just over $12 for family coverage on the Core Dental Plan, every two weeks.
You have a choice of two vision plans administered by Vision Service Plan (VSP): the core plan and the buy-up plan. When you visit an in-network provider, eye exams are covered in full. Through VSP, you are also provided free access to the TruHearing MemberPlus Program, for up to 50% savings on hearing aids and more. 2019 costs range from just over $2 for single coverage to less than $7 for family coverage on the Core Vision Plan, every two weeks.
In 2019, you can contribute up to $2,650 per year pretax into your Health Care Flexible Spending Account and use the money to pay your out-of-pocket medical, dental and vision expenses for you and your dependents, even if they are not covered by a Central medical plan. The Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account is available to help you pay for child care or the care of a parent living in your home using pretax funds, so you pay less to Uncle Sam. Another way to save money!
Free Health Improvement Program for those diagnosed with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or heart failure. The nurse coaches can supplement your doctor’s care and provide additional tips on managing conditions and symptoms.
A free 24-hour number with registered nurses is available to help you determine what to do when you or a family member is sick or hurt or to prepare a list of questions to bring to your next doctor’s appointment.
If covered by an Anthem plan, you and any covered dependent can visit with a board-certified doctor online by video conference for non-emergency medical issues or questions. The doctor can even write a prescription if necessary, without you leaving your home!
Our EAP offers access to counselors, financial advisors, attorneys or other professionals to help get you through a difficult time. They will even help you find day care or a new place to live! This free, confidential service is available to all employees and family members even if not enrolled in Central’s benefits program.
Central covers the full cost of short-term disability benefits, which covers a portion of your income for up to 26 weeks while you recover from childbirth, surgery or another medical condition that prevents you from working.
Employees can also purchase long-term disability coverage that will kick in if you are not able to get back to work after your short-term benefits expire.
Basic Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage is paid by Central, with the option to increase the amount of coverage for an additional cost. Coverage for children and spouses can also be purchased at the group rates.
Time off programs vary at different locations but are all designed to make sure you take time away from work to enjoy your life and your family. Full time employees receive paid vacation and paid holidays.
Receive discounts on countless attractions, events, travel, shopping, dining and services along with cell phone, computer and other product discounts. Some of our locations also offer discounts on Central Garden & Pet products!
Here are a few samples of discounts available to employees: Gym discounts are offered through GlobalFit, along with discounts on Zumba classes, personal trainers, weight loss programs and more. Benefit Hub is your one-stop-shop for discounts on everything from movie tickets to vacations that even offers interest free payment agreements for larger purchases. Verizon Wireless & AT&T Wireless offer discounts for current and new customers and Central employees can purchase Lenova computers at a discount!
Helpful (1)
I have been working at Central Garden & Pet full-time (Less than a year)
Pros
Training was extensive and very helpful. Hiring process is well thought out and flexible. HR extremely helpful during hiring process and always has an open door. Better than average benefits.
Cons
Nothing significant as of yet
Application
I applied online. The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Central Garden & Pet in March 2019.
Interview
I had a 30 minute phone interview where I was asked about my resume and experience. A week later I was asked to come in for an onsite interview in Walnut Creek. I gave the times I was available that week and received a clear and organized interview schedule of the times and who I would be meeting with along with parking instructions. The interviews followed the schedule I had received. Most of the questions asked were situational. A little less than a week after I came onsite, I received an offer.
Interview Questions
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