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.

Another in a series of posts highlighting GreatPlaceJobs’ workplaces.

By Natalie Roig, GreatPlaceJobs Research Assistant

Arnold & Porter LLP is an international law firm that practices in more than 25 areas of law. The Arnold & Porter law firm conducts business on six continents world wide. Their extensive experience in practicing law allows them to work across the world. Their commitment to their clients, values and communities makes Arnold & Porter one of the most sought out international law firms.

This is how they describe their workplace:

Our working environment is spirited, open, welcoming, and fast-paced. Our firm is a collection of independent, diverse personalities who share a common devotion to first-class legal work. We value individuality. We encourage our lawyers to be themselves. All attorneys, regardless of experience level, are encouraged to participate fully in the work of the firm and to express their views on client issues and firm matters.

Arnold & Porter offers legal resources to represent all of their clients’ interests and is proud to hold true to their core values. They maintain a diverse workplace, a mutually respectful working environment and a strong commitment to detail. In this vein, they Arnold & Porter offers pro bono legal counsel to clients who cannot afford their services.

To look for jobs with Arnold & Porter, join GreatPlaceJobs.

By Miriam Salpeter, GreatPlaceJobs Career Advice Expert
www.keppiecareers.com

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up somewhere else.” – Yogi Berra

So begins John Liptak’s book, Career Quizzes.

With so many people facing transitions now (either of their own choice or as a result of a layoff) and with many studies indicating that workers are generally dissatisfied with their jobs and/or seriously thinking of making a change, it is important to point out that planning and focusing on career goals is an important piece of driving your own career bus!

Liptak reminds readers how important it is to prepare for transtions, and this book is a good first step for anyone thinking about making a move. It offers readers help in:

• Finding purpose.
• Identifying an ideal job.
• Developing a career plan.
• Taking action.

With a series of different assessments to help guide the job seeker, but a caveat that “an assessment can provide you with valuable information about yourself, but plese remember that such instruments cannot measure everything for you” (p. XV), this book provides guidance and a great starting point for anyone who needs a jump start for his or her career transition.

If you’d like to win a FREE copy, comment on this blog post to enter a random drawing! Feel free to comment on all of my blogs for a better chance to win:

• Keppie Careers
• Examiner.com
• Secrets of the Job Hunt

Is it important for you to be happy at work? ARE you happy? Or, is it time to consider a change? Award-winning employers, such as the ones who post positions on GreatPlaceJobs, are less likely to experience lay-offs during a downturn. Now you can search our database for free and download a free toolbar to help you get started: http://greatplacejobs.ourtoolbar.com/

You deserve a job with a terrific company!

By Miriam Salpeter, GreatPlaceJobs Career Expert
www.keppiecareers.com

Are you the job seeker who, when asked what you’re good at, or what you want to do, who says, “I am really good at a lot of things. I have many skills, such as X, Y and Z, and I am a quick learner, so I can really do anything and I am open to just about any job.”

If that sounds familiar, it is time to re-work your pitch! As Shawn Graham, author of Courting Your Career, notes in the book, being willing to do anything is akin to saying you would date just about anyone, as long as they have teeth!

Shawn’s useful and informative book helps make the job search process more accessible to readers by comparing a job search to a search for a mate.

The first step for both processes? Figure out who you are and what you want! Look beyond physical appearance and cast a wide enough net to include a variety of types of companies to “romance.”

While some may believe that “fate” should play a big role in their love life and career paths, it’s a good idea to incorporate a good dose of planning in both areas for success.

Shawn weaves the dating analogy through the “meet market” – networking, and reminds readers that “Before you can date someone, you need to meet someone” (p. 33).  He offers three principles of effective networking:

• Assess – figure out who you know
• Expand – grow outside of your existing network
• Maintain – keep up your ongoing relationships

He reminds us that leveraging skills learned from past relationships is as useful for job seekers as it is for dating!

A tip I particularly enjoyed that also is perfectly aligned with both dating and job seeking is “it isn’t all about you.” Shawn asks, “Have you ever been on a date with someone who talked about him- or herself all night long?” (p. 111). You don’t want to be the self-centered job seeker! Remember that looking for a job is just as much about connecting to the employer’s needs as it is about what you have to offer!

There are some differences between job seeking and dating…For example, Shawn reminds readers that they should NOT send flowers to thank an interviewer!

Courting Your Career is a great (and fun) read for anyone in job search mode. The message is an optimistic and useful reminder – so much is in YOUR hands! Take advantage of it and move forward successfully!

YOU have a chance to win a copy of Courting Your Career! All you need to do is comment on any one of my blogs (comment on as many as you’d like to increase your chances). Share a story, ask a question…Let us know why you could use this book. I’ll pick one winner at random on Friday to receive a copy.

Did you know that you can search GreatPlaceJobs for FREE? You deserve a job with a terrific company! Download a free toolbar to help you get started: http://greatplacejobs.ourtoolbar.com/

If you could ask a recruiter anything you wanted to know about how hiring really works, what would you ask?

Every first Friday of the month at 1p EST, GreatPlaceJobs affiliate SixFigureStart (Career Coaching By Former Fortune 500 Recruiters) hosts a free coaching call to answer your career questions.  Email questions to caroline@sixfigurestart.com.   To join the call:

Dial 712 775 7100
Use code 151675#

No need to preregister but if you want to submit your question in advance or if you want to be notified when the call recording is available, email info@sixfigurestart.com.

——————–

SixFigureStart is a career coaching firm comprised of former Fortune 500 recruiters.  SixFigureStart co-founders Connie Thanasoulis and Caroline Ceniza-Levine have a combined 40 years of HR and business experience, including recruiting for Accenture, Booz Allen, Citigroup, Disney ABC, Merrill Lynch, Oliver Wyman, Pfizer, Time Inc, TV Guide, and others.  Connie and Caroline are career columnists for Vault.com, CNBC.com and Conde Nast’s Portfolio.com, and teach Professional Development at Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.

Another in a series of posts highlighting GreatPlaceJobs’ workplaces.

By Natalie Roig, GreatPlaceJobs Research Assistant

SC Johnson & Son, is known for their many products but also because it is a family company. Some products that are associated with SC Johnson & Son are Shout, Windex, Mr. Muscle, Ziploc, Edge, Glade, Brise, Raid, OFF!, Baygon, Autan, Pledge and Scrubbing Bubbles. SC Johnson has withstood the test of time through five generations of family leadership. Being around for over a hundred years has not hindered the company; it has caused the company to grow into one of the largest corporations in the world.

Over 12,000 global employees are employed through the SC Johnson Company and are in more then 70 countries around the world. SC Johnson demands the best for families everywhere, which is why the SC Johnson Company adheres to a set of core values. The three core values the SC Johnson Company adheres to are the following:

1.    Innovation and Quality
2.    Steadfast Commitment to Workplace Excellence
3.    Environmental and Community Leadership

SC Johnson earned a spot on the “Best Companies to Work For” list partly because of their employees and the effective leadership found throughout the company. SC Johnson leads the business world in cutting-edge practices that attract the best people from all over the world. The recruitment process and summer internships allow them to identify with the top undergraduates, MBA and Ph.D. and candidates each year to fill entry- and higher-level jobs. Entry- and higher-level jobs gain rapid exposure to all aspects of the business.

SC Johnson offers training programs, including the Johnson Learning Institute. These programs offer skill development opportunity to help career development.  SC Johnson is prepared to meet the challenges of a complex and changing business environment, helping employees succeed both on and off the job.

SC Johnson is looking for entry and higher-level employers. If you are interested in a job with SC Johnson or any other company, then visit GreatPlaceJobs.

SC Johnson in the news:
On March 19, 2009, SC Johnson announces a cure for the everyday terror, window washing avoidance syndrome (WWAS). Window Washing Avoidance Syndrome is where homeowners avoid cleaning their outdoor windows. Experts at SC Johnson have developed a cure for WWAS, the new Windex Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool!

On March 17, 2009, Wal-Mart named SC Johnson China the Supplier of the Year in the Non-Food Division. SC Johnson China was recognized for its dedicated professional sales team, category leadership that drove competing category growth by more than 12 percent, support for Wal-Mart’s sustainability plan and an improved consumer shopping experience.

Another in a series of posts highlighting GreatPlaceJobs’ workplaces.

By Natalie Roig, GreatPlaceJobs Research Assistant

JM Family Enterprises is the leading provider of quality products and services in the automobile industry. For 40 years JM Family Enterprises has been offering dynamic work environment, world-class benefits, and a culture of growth and giving. JM Family Enterprise has been dedicated to providing the best service possible to our clients and partners. This has gotten JM Family Enterprise national recognition in each of their businesses. The following facts make JM Family a national recognized company:

1. It is the world’s largest independent distributor of Toyotas and Scions.

2. It is a diversified financial services company.

3.  It is one of the largest providers of finance and insurance products in the industry.

4. It is the world’s largest volume Lexus dealership.

JM Family Enterprise is a diversified automotive corporation whose principal business focus on vehicle distribution and processing, finance and warranty services, insurance activities, retail sales, marketing and consulting and dealer technology products and services.

The JM Family refers to their business as one large family. JM Family helps their associates by creating the work/life program. The work/life program was created to provide a full spectrum of services and resources that help associates balance their busy careers and personal lives. Along with the work/life program, JM Family built their company on the philosophy that their associates are the most important asset to the company. 

To look for jobs with the JM Family Enterprise, join GreatPlaceJobs.

JM Family Enterprise in the news:

On March 16, 2009, http://tinyurl.com/chvujo , JM Lexus becomes first Lexus dealership to receive women certified seal. JM Lexus, the largest volume Lexus dealership in the world for the past 17 years, recently became the first Women Certified Lexus dealership. It was also awarded the Women Certified Seal for outstanding sales and customer service practices.

We have written about the fact that award-winning employers, because of their happy and engaged workforce, tend to outperform their competitors, both in good times and in bad, and research shows that great workplaces are less likely to lay employees off.  Here’s more proof why job seekers should be focusing their efforts on top-ranked employers such as those featured in GreatPlaceJobs.

NuStar Energy, one of the nation’s largest asphalt refiners and an award-winning great workplace, announced that each of its employees would receive a bonus equivalent to at least two week’s pay after the company reported record revenues and profits in 2008.  NuStar’s CEO also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its long standing no-layoff policy.

Curt Anastasio, NuStar’s CEO, said, “We’re very proud to reward our employees with this well-deserved bonus in a year that has been plagued by economic turmoil.  At NuStar, if any of us get a bonus, all of us get a bonus.  It’s just like our no-layoff policy. We have never had a layoff and never will because we firmly believe that it is our people who not only contribute to our success, but get the company through difficult times.

“Our employees know that if they work hard they will always have a good job. This is a sacred trust first…and it is not only the cornerstone of our company’s employee-first culture, but also of our success.”

NuStar achieved revenues of $4.8 billion in 2008 despite the economic crisis, more than 225% higher than in 2007.  The company earned record profits of $225 million last year, an increase of over 1.5 times the amount earned in 2007.

Source: Savannah Morning News

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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!