As a recruiter for senior-level merchandising roles at Success Appointments, I’ve noticed more and more candidates opting to work for small to medium-sized businesses – as opposed to larger Blue Chip retailers. The choice between the two isn’t black and white, though. When planning your next career move, you need to weigh up what type of business is going to be right for you.
Large companies
Pros
- Having a well-known retailer on your CV is always a positive
- Larger organisations will often pay the best salaries and offer very good benefits packages
- There is often a clear structure in place regarding progression
- It is usually easy to move from a big business to a small business, but not always vice versa
Cons
- Red tape and endless sign-offs can be common in larger organisations, which can lead to frustration
- Due to team sizes and the sheer number of people in the business, there can be a lack of exposure to senior management
Small companies
Pros
- Close-knit teams and more exposure to senior team members
- Progression can be quicker as there isn’t much bureaucracy in place around promotions, and smaller businesses are often in growth mode
- Bigger job titles are often available – e.g. the Head of Merchandising at a smaller business may be a Senior Merchandiser at a larger business
- Candidates at smaller businesses will usually have broader roles, as it’s all-hands-on-deck and the team structure isn’t as rigid
Cons
- Lack of progression, particularly if the team is already established and the business isn’t growing
- Smaller businesses generally don’t have the budget to match the salaries and benefits on offer at bigger organisations
Both have their pros and cons, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference. What kind of pond do you want to swim in? If you are considering a move, please get in touch for a confidential conversation to discuss your options.
If you would like to have an informal discussion, please contact Katy Lock here about the roles we are currently working on.
