The sad decline of a once great company
Pros
Having worked at Bibendum for over 6 years there was a lot to recommend it. The compay used to be the gold standard in the wine industry, its innovation, its creativity, its marketing and the quality of the wines really stood out. They were inventive, always thinking of new ways to involve customers in wine a really great place to work. The team there were really talented and passionate people, although not the best paid, everyone got on and there was lots of social occassions which bought the whole company together and fostered team work. Some of this culture remains there still but alas not much. The company benefits are OK, better than a lot of other wine companies however the salaries are low. Most peple if they want can have some sort of wine training however it is more job specific than it used to be. There is reletively good opportunity for promotion, but you have to be a go getter to be noticed. The wines are generally good quality which if you love wine is a bonus and you get a good staff discount. The company vision and values are admirable and if the company lived them it would be good place to work again. If you have a good idea it is a good place to be - there is an entriprenuerial spirit, but other competitors are gaining ground because they focus on being an excellent wine merchant as opposed to new projects.
Cons
Bibendum is a place where you either sink or swim, there is very little training and support on the job, therefore you have to be self motivated. If you struggle with confidence or are quiet this probably isn't the right place for you. As another post says it is very Cliquey though probably less than it used to be as the teams have changed so much. They have been through so many rounds of restructuring, consultations and redundancies over the last 3 or 4 years that it has destroyed the culture that made it uniqe and a great place to work. So many people are always watching their backs, knowing that another restructure could be just around the corner. Where there used to be a collection of characters that gave the company personality, characters have been replaced with 'yes men', often operating in a very stressful and unsetteling environment. Some of my colleagues have been treated very badly, I understand the nead especially in tough trading situations for restructuring, and Bibendum is a company that grew quickly but with out the neccessary business systems to keep up. However it appears that a number of people have bullied, either into leaving or then being made redundant, Senior managemnet have been fired in an unprofessional and public way, many people who express reservations have found themselves on consultation with out any true restructure, and a significant number of women haven't returned from maternity leave or have left or been made redundant soon after returning. Thereare always staff on sick leave due to stress and it is an upsetting environment to be in. Training and suport could be a lot better, even something a simple as letting everyone regardless job title learn about wine, helps in terms of moral. To any one considering a career at Bibendum - it can be a good place and my time there was more good than bad, but seeing my freinds and collegues treated so badly has coloured my experience. Think carefuly - if you are an entrireuneurial character who is tenacious and resilient - then you can do well here.