Culture at Mars

It's a family-owned company, albeit one of the biggest in the world, but not having stakeholders to answer to does make the company feel a bit more like a family, the dogs in the office included. New Zealand is unique in the sense that all three segments, Confectionary, Pet, and Food work under one roof. In most other countries, these are split out into separate businesses under the same ownership. Fortunately, this means I have the opportunity to work across all three segments, and primarily work across Confectionery and Food. This means I help deliver bespoke marketing to the New Zealand market for iconic brands such as Mars, Snickers, Mom's, Skittles, Extra, Master Foods, and Bena's Original (Formally known as Uncle Bens). There's always plenty of free chocolate and other snacks going around the office. It's a feeling of family value when the directors and managers know you by name and make an effort to get to know you. Aivee also appreciated the flexible working, working from home, and flexible hours, meaning I can get out for a dive or fish if the weather is good. Mars is very generous with its flexible hours, meaning you do your work how you best see fit, maybe you want a long lunch, or prefer an early start and early finish, whatever the reason, Mars is accommodating. The structure is very standard for an organization this size, and for now, it's fine being at the very bottom of the hierarchy, although you are treated as if you are equal to mostly all other associates which is great. Our opinions and voices are heard. Outside of work hours, socializing is very common, there are always a few lunches, maybe a breakfast, and several dinners or drinking occasions to look forward to. The younger grads will often organize BYO's. It's not like the movies though, pretty are generally pretty tame and get home to their family's at a reasonable hour.

The offices working culture is friendly, supportive, and generous, while equally being determined and dedicated when it needs to be. The sense of hierarchical structure is not as strong as one would expect, however, there is a unspoken level of respect for those in positions of leadership. Outside of office (when COVID restrictions allow for it), the social culture amongst colognes creates for a strong environment to understand the background and lives of fellow associates.

Great culture, everyone is very friendly and there seems to be little hierarchy between employees who are above those that are below.