Another in a series of posts highlighting GreatPlaceJobs’ workplaces.

By Beth Mulhern, GreatPlaceJobs Research Assistant

NIKE, Inc. was born on the dreams of Phil Knight, a competitive runner for the University of Oregon, and his coach, Bill Bowerman. Back in the mid-1950’s, long before the famous Nike “Swoosh” came along, Coach Bowerman wanted better running shoes for his track team than were available on the market, and Phil Knight, who graduated and earned his MBA, had a vision of marketing the best running shoes in the world in a brand new way in the US. They shared their visions and Blue Ribbon Sports, later to become NIKE, Inc., came to be, and now includes the wholly-owned subsidiaries of Cole Haan, Converse Inc., Hurley International LLC, NIKE Golf, and Umbro Ltd.

Nike, Inc., headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, was an $18.6 billion dollar company at the end of 2008, and has plans to grow to $23 billion in revenue by the end of fiscal 2011. The company employs over 30,000 people across six continents, in more than 160 countries around the globe. They directly or indirectly employ nearly one million people through their suppliers, shippers, retailers and other service providers. Their mission statement, “to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete”, has at its core the belief of its co-founder, Bill Bowerman that “if you have a body, you are an athlete.” They state their corporate goal like this:
Our goal is to carry on his legacy of innovative thinking, whether to develop products that help athletes of every level of ability reach their potential, or to create business opportunities that set Nike apart from the competition and provide value for our shareholders.

It’s refreshing that a multi-billion dollar corporation features a strong policy on environmental responsibility, especially in regards to climate change.  They summarize it clearly:

Nike sees corporate responsibility as an integral part of how we can use the power of our brand, the energy and passion of our people, and the scale of our business to create meaningful change.
Nike, Inc. also takes great pride in an innovative and inspirational corporate culture, which embraces diversity, imagination and creativity.   For example, Nike has a very innovative marketing strategy, utilizing digital media aggressively to promote the brand.  They encourage their employees to think outside the box and “push out the edges of what can be.” Their record speaks for itself, as the company has been named three years running to Fortune Magazine’s 100 Best Companies To Work For, and for the last two years was also named to Business Week’s Top 100 Best Places To Launch A Career lists. Further, The Ethisphere Institute named Nike as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2009.

To look for jobs with Nike, join GreatPlaceJobs.

By Miriam Salpeter, GreatPlaceJobs Career Expert

Recently, ZenHabits published a guest post by Jerry Roberts of CareerJolt.net offering strategies for surviving a tough boss. I thought I’d share those tips with you. Commentary is my own…

Strategy 1: Prepare for engagement

Even if your boss is “impossible” to manage, if you are staying in your job, you will need to figure out how to approach and engage with him or her. Roberts suggests, “You’ll need to find something about him that allows you to tolerate his weaknesses and let the rest of it slide.” Another suggestion from Roberts: subjugate your ego and try to engage with your boss. Find a connection and run with it. Do you both have preschoolers? Love baseball? Enjoy a good glass of wine? Help your boss see you as a person, not just an employee. It could do you both good!

Strategy 2: Take a 5-minute meeting

When was the last time you sat down (face-to-face) with your boss? Maybe you spend most of your time trying to avoid the boss, not looking to sit down in the same room! Roberts suggests asking for a meeting with a handwritten note (not e-mail).

Your charge?

- See what your manager things about your work.
- Share why you are excited about your job.
- Make it clear that you have the willingness and capability to do more and better work.

This is the scenario that Roberts suggests:

1. “Thanks for giving me the time. In order to take my work to the next level I need your opinion on how I’m doing and if there’s something specific you think I can work on to improve.”

Why? This shows that you respect his opinion. Take notes so your boss will know you feel his time is important and don’t challenge his positions at this time. If he questions your productivity that may be his honest perception. You’ll change that in this sequence of strategies, but not by arguing. Just listen and write.

When he’s done giving his opinion, immediately request another 5-minute meeting a month out to judge progress. Don’t leave without setting a day and time.

2. “I’m excited about (current project or initiative), and the overall direction that we’re headed.”

Why? Most bosses think in stereotypes, just like most everybody else. It’s human nature. Unless you stand out and show an upbeat attitude, it’s easy to just see a body in front of you and not attach any particular value, or judge you as indifferent. If you’re not excited about anything you’re involved with at work, maybe the boss isn’t your basic problem.

3. “If I come up with a little free time can I come back and discuss a side project I’ve been thinking about?”

Why? Nothing is nearer and dearer to a supervisor’s heart than having a worker volunteer for an extra assignment. Every employer has orphaned projects that sit around in a neglected state. Ask admin staff what these are and pick one that will both benefit the organization and get you some widespread visibility. Then nail it.

What’s the worst that can happen? Your boss will be a jerk! More likely, though, the boss will be interested in seeing the next steps and will go along.

Strategy 3: Followup meetings must show progress

Keep in touch and make sure you stay top of mind. Keep requesting meetings. Hopefully things will go well and your boss will welcome touching base.

Strategy 4: Find a mentor

Much has been written about the importance of finding a mentor. You may be surprised that many people will welcome the opportunity to offer guidance and support. Think about what type of mentor you need. Keep in mind personality, professional issues and personal issues. Be clear about what you hope to gain and make a plan. Having a mentor to advise you may very well help make a difficult boss less of a problem.

Strategy 5: Food can be a great equalizer

Sharing a meal and conversation can help build a relationship that helps the work day better. Roberts doesn’t suggest going out for a drink…Keep it to food, and it’s less likely that anyone will regret anything that was said the next day!

None of these tips seem to help you build a better relationship with your boss? Consider joining GreatPlaceJobs. Join today, as we will be increasing our price on April 1st (no joke!) Plus, you receive a FREE copy of G.L. Hoffman’s ebook, Dig Your Job (a $9.99 value)! The book includes over 200 real-world tested ideas to help you find a better job or keep the one you have.

Senior Financial Analyst

Job Summary:
This position provides analysis & reporting for manufacturing production & related expenditures which includes standards development and budgeting in accordance to the Mars accounting policies and procedures.  Assists in identifying and implementing improvements related to efficiencies and controls where appropriate.  Provide support and training to manufacturing associates as required. This position also provides support & resources to all departments within the company as it relates manufacturing and plant activities to ensure financial integrity of corporate and plant assets.
 
Key Responsibilities:
Perform cost benefit analysis
Support the annual budget process provide direction for site managers
Suggest process improvements where actionable
Implement, Review & Provide training on transaction processes for accuracy and internal control guidelines
Provide transaction process training as required
Provide plant level performance evaluations and reporting
Partner with engineering and production to create, develop and finalize production standards for products produced
Maintain costing tables and standards for materials, labor and overhead for the facility
Assist in inventory reporting and valuation
Prepare plant cost information for timely closing of financial period end, including journal entries support, key account reconciliations and variance analysis
Support operation management, manufacturing and supply chain functions through cost and operational analysis
Provide analysis of key performance indicators and trend reports for manufacturing costs
Perform ad hoc cost/operations analyses in support of continuous improvement efforts
Maintain Mars Petcare compliance to accounting for production spending outlined by Mars Finance Manual.
 
Key Skills Required:
Ability to interact and communicate with all levels of employees
Ability to use PC and widely-used software packages, especially spreadsheet and word processing software
Ability to learn new software packages as necessary
Knowledge and ability to apply financial analysis principles
Strong Excel knowledge and skills
Professionalism and ability to resolve issues at the root cause
Self directed and self motivated
 
Minimum Qualifications:
2 year(s) of experience in related job particularly with manufacturing experience
The knowledge, skills, and abilities typically acquired through the completion of a bachelor’s degree program in a related field, or equivalent work experience.
Advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities
Ability to travel 20% of the time
Successful completion of a drug and background screen

Preferred Qualifications:
6+ years of experience in related job particularly with manufacturing experience
MBA degree
CPA or CMA certification
Supervisory experience

As a privately-held, family-owned company, Mars Petcare US offers benefits which reflect our commitment to attracting and retaining great people. This includes excellent pay, competitive health and dental care coverage, a retirement plan, a very competitive vacation plan and unrivalled career advancement opportunities, to name just a few of our unique and generous benefits.

If you’re looking for a place where you can take ownership for your work, where the pace is fast, the environment is built around the importance of open communication, and where employees are called “associates” and treated as such, then we want to hear from you.

We value a diverse work environment and encourage qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, religion, disability, national origin, veteran status, gender and age. Mars Petcare US is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply here, and tell them that you heard about the position at GreatPlaceJobs!

Campbell Supply Company LLC is interested in hiring a Senior Technologist, Product Development for their R&D department in Camden, NJ.  Here’s a description of what this award-winning employer is looking for:

Imagine…working for a company that knows that its people are the key to its success in the marketplace. A company in which achieving extraordinary results and having a stimulating work experience are part of the same process.

At Campbell, we cultivate and embrace a diverse employee population. We recognize that people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives fuel our growth and enrich our global culture.

We are looking for an individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, likes to be challenged, and values the opportunity to make a difference.
 
General Summary:

Opportunities within our NASSB Product Development organization are available. Senior Technologist positions reside within our Sauce and Beverage, Soup, and/or North America Food Service businesses. Seeking talented Technologists who will be responsible for managing multi disciplinary projects from concept through commercialization for the development of new products, product platforms, product improvements and/or process optimization.

Internal candidates please reach out to Marcy Martin, Campbells Global Talent Acquisition Recruiter, for more information regarding the openings.

Key Responsibilities:

1. 60%-70% Lead development from concept through implementation all aspects of product development projects of moderate to high level visibility.
2. 30% Interact with business and build partnerships to advance programs. Collaborate with and manage multi disciplinary functions within R&D as well as in partnership with Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing and Sales to drive and commercialize initiatives.
3. 0-10% Supervise organizational effectiveness of direct reports. Responsible for the individual development, objective setting, performance management and ongoing coaching of direct reports.

Job Complexity:

• Understand growth business goals and create direction and balance product quality with cost constraints
• Work across manufacturing systems
• Understand and identify project constraints and overcome these barriers through collaboration and alignment with cross functional teams
• Define R&D timelines and ensure smooth transition of technology transfer from innovation teams
• Understand and mitigate risk with respect to customer implementation. Understand customer needs and translate them into product executions. Understand consumer and customer research methodologies and results and lead the process to implement findings into product formulation.
• Balance multiple project initiatives simultaneously and work under conditions of ambiguity.
• May supervise organizational effectiveness of 1-2 direct reports. Responsible for individual development and performance management. 
 
Education and Experience:

• Product development experience required: 2+ years with Masters, 5+ years with Bachelors Degree
• Sound understanding of recipe development for transformation to manufacturing
• Development experience in thermally processed/refrigerated/frozen foods or beverages preferred
• Presentation skills and ability to interact with cross functional teams fostering a team approach
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to deliver against key objectives and timelines
• Knowledge of experimental design is beneficial
• Requirement to taste all products

Working Conditions:
• Must be able to travel to various manufacturing sites. While in the office, 50% of the time is working in the labs or kitchens and 50% in meetings and desk work. Up to 30% travel required.

Campbell…the ingredients to be extraordinary. Where icon brands thrive.
People are valued. And you can make a difference.

Apply here, and tell them that you heard about the position GreatPlaceJobs!