August 2010
Q: We've discussed before about issues and the purchasing position you were looking to hire in Kentucky.
I was wondering if I could ask your opinion on a position I've been offered.
I've been offered a position as inventory manager for a large plumbing/electrical wholesaler in Ohio that has sales of a couple billion. The salary they've offered me is $70,000. The position would oversee all of the purchasing, inventory and demand forecasting of their company.
The salary is the same as what I am making here in Chicago. Do you know what the going salary is for a inventory manager position in south east Ohio ? The cost of living is less there than Chicago. With so much more responsibilities with the new position and such a larger company I feel they low-balled me
on the salary offer.
Thank You,
Brian
A. I'd
tell you that there is no real answer...there is zero consistency between
distributor's comp programs from one side of the street to the other and
even odder from region to region. Typically they'll look at where you are
now and offer an increase, but it rarely has anything to do with the
responsibility or a range of compensation. What I tend to see is an
increase of anywhere from 5-10% at best, if there is a significant cost of
living differential to the benefit of the hiring company, the number may
seem lateral but in fact, the money goes a lot further in their market. If
you feel you need to go back to the table, be sure that you have all of
your issues completely on the table and if you ask for more money, be sure
to quantify why you feel you're worth the increase. Hope it helps, let me
know how you fair.
To visit
our Archives click here:
'Ask
an Expert'
Email
Prudence your questions