Salary re-negotiation, based on newly acquired data

[paradigm]

Long story short,

Head of IT was "made redundant" (possibly, might have been coerced out, it all happened overnight) back in July, and I was tasked with leading the current pan-European (not huge, total of 9 people across the UK and Spain) IT Infrastructure team, whilst also taking on a more project-management oriented role (new satellite office rollouts, upgrading existing infrastructures, planning for group-wide telephony, etc). So far, none of this is "in writing" as it were (probably my first mistake), but an email chain from the directors and board members involved at least outlines these plans, and suggests that the role be made permanent "in the future". Also worth noting that I've also received no increase in remuneration thus far.

Today, whilst discussing a possible recruitment for a 2nd line analyst at a site that's up in Scotland (I'm down in Cheshire), it became apparent that a member of the team, who currently reports into me (as part of this "unofficial" promotion), and has to utilise me to fill in his knowledge gaps, and runs all technical decisions through me, is earning 13% more than I am. It's also worth noting that his is many years my junior, both in the company (7 years service vs 1 year), and in his career (12+ years for my, 4 for him). I also vastly out qualify him with industry-based (Microsoft, Cisco) credentials.

To say that I'm currently rather annoyed, and quite heavily demoralised is, an understatement. I'm aware that I need to do something about the situation, I'm just not sure on the best approach.

What would you do?

 

[paradigm]

Yes, thanks. I was more thinking in terms of how and with what medium to broach the topic. It's not a small single-site business, I can't necessarily a) physically see, or b) immediately talk to anyone directly involved, I also (due to the scenario laid out above) have no line manager.

 

[paradigm]

How was it 'made apparent'?

Well, bluntly, after discussing what salary he thought appropriate for his junior, and realising that it was around that of my own salary, I asked him if he wouldn't mind divulging the information of his own salary.

He had no issues as he was under the impression I earned 20% more than him anyway.

First of all, I am going to assume you are not viewed as easily replaceable and your relationship with superiors and side-wise colleagues are all solid. Second, that your company is in good financial health with no alarming issues to report.

In that case the priority is to escalate this to the individual (usually but not always your LM) in very clear terms i.e. it is an unacceptable situation and you will walk if you don't see it addressed. You need to come to such a discussion with proof of the above points from your OP, sample comparison salaries for similar positions in the industry sector which you work, and very importantly, hold the discussion in a calm, reasonable manner with no emotion, naming and shaming, or ultimatums.

If you do not do so, your company will happily keep you at your current pay level, with the perception that you are a satisfied and hard-working team member.

That leaves the only question - when is the best time? Are you coming up to a review, annual budget/results, or the end/imminent rollout of a significant project which will have you starting from an even stronger bargaining position? And is it worth waiting for a year (as opposed to the 6 months you currently have) at least to elapse, until you consider yourself "proven" in your role? Those are questions only you can answer.

Hope it helps.

The company appear to be going from strength to strength, we are growing through both acquisition and natural growth. Projects are thick and fast at the moment, it was only at the end of the last quarter that I was presented with the "employee of the quarter" award, for recognition of going above and beyond to deliver results not only ahead of schedule, but also under budget.

I doubt an additional 6 months in the role would make my position any stronger after the above.

 

[paradigm]

Well, looks like I'll be going two-pronged on moving forward with this. I've documented, timelined, and justified in as much detail, the reasons I believe that a) I'm under-paid, b) I'm suitable for taking an official promotion to the position I'm filling now, and c) I will mention that I will put the wheels in motion to move on if nothing can be done for me.

I've re-done my CV, however it's only really a brief update, it was re-done mid 2015, and to be fair, the phone hasn't stopped ringing since. I've been turning down roles for the best part of 6 months mainly due to wanting to be with the company whom I thought I gelled with well. Clearly this is no longer the case (nor ever was, seemingly), so I'll be taking up more opportunities going forward.

 

[paradigm]

Finding jobs does not appear to be difficult. Quick re-word of my CV and the calls and interviews have indeed flooded in. Fingers crossed at least one materializes into a firm offer, but all are currently a £10-15K increase in salary.

 

[paradigm]

People who are genuinely good are incredibly difficult to find! If your CV looks good and you stand up to scrutiny in an interview you'll find it a very buoyant market at the moment.

It certainly looks like that's the case, my phone is a none-stop symphony of ringtone at the moment. I'd like to think I can stand up to the scrutiny, but we shall see!

You looking to stay in the North West?

If at all possible, yes. Family ties and an upcoming wedding unfortunately dictate that I need to be around here for the short to medium term anyway!

 

[paradigm]

Well, that's a firm offer on the table from a prospective new employer, plus two more through to 2nd interview. Should be enough leverage next week.

Dropped an email to the relevant people today, not heard back yet regarding getting a face to face discussion, but at least now I have the opportunity to walk away into something just as interesting and with a 34% pay increase, assuming I'm not enticed to stay put.

 

[paradigm]

I appreciate what's being said, however being given an official promotion and taking on more responsibility across our EMEA estate wouldn't be that bad.

A simple payrise won't be enough to keep me on.

 

[paradigm]

Thought I'd re-visit this thread to update it with an outcome.

It took 5 months, a change in senior management teams, and a fair bit of ensuring I was available up in Scotland during the management transition but we got there in the end.

20% payrise and I'm now "Group IT Operations and Infrastructure Manager" (lengthy, I know). I also got given a "bonus" (relatively meaningless token gesture) in way of apologizing for the way the whole situation had been handled.

So, all's well that ends well I guess.