The start-up that hasn't grown-up - Senior Project Manager Makersite Employee Review

1.0
3 Jan 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Remote working. Not much else.

Cons

Software start-ups often offer a culture with a high degree of trust, respect, and adherence to key principles of agile ways of working - sadly this is not the case here. Unfortunately, the fast-paced drive to meet ongoing customer demands/ requests, can lead to a sidelining of key project management approaches, which I have seen in this workplace. In addition, the all too quick jettisoning of adherence to at least the basics of agile ways of working (that are to be found in more enlightened agile environments). A lack of resolute adherence to some type of agility framework can mean that poor management techniques allow micro-management to creep in (aka - being told by far less experienced practitioners on how to do your job). Unfortunately, senior management in the company too easily falls back on micro-management approaches in the day-to-day pressure to deliver. Lack of leadership at senior management level, results in a culture that is somewhat haphazard, and at this point in time, pretty immature. For example, assigning developers to months of bug fixing is not the only way to get developers up to speed. Similarly, micro-managing project managers with the aim of getting project managers to 'get familiar with the software' is an object lesson in what not to do. Promising business domain for solving customer problems, but general culture and execution at team level, leaves a lot to be desired.

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Makersite Response
1y
We’re sorry to hear that you feel this way. At Makersite, we strive to foster a culture built on trust and autonomy. Our leadership team actively seeks employees who thrive in an environment that values independence and does not require micromanagement.

Explore other reviews about Makersite

5.0
2 July 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working at Makersite has been a rewarding experience. The bar is high, you’re collaborating daily with PhDs, rocket scientists, and just some of the smartest, most passionate people around. That means there’s no room for BS, but there is room to learn. Everyone is approachable, whether it’s a new hire or the CEO. There's zero hierarchy drama, just smart people solving tough problems together. The culture is fast-paced and sometimes chaotic. Company is in a major growth phase, but it’s a challenge that pushes you to level up. Achievements are recognized and rewarded regularly, and you truly feel the impact of your work, especially when you see the global brands that use the product. Creativity is celebrated, data is king, and expectations are clear. You always know how you’re tracking against your goals, and there’s strong alignment and feedback with my direct report. The global team is another highlight: diverse, kind, ridiculously smart, and deeply committed to the mission. People genuinely care about their roles and their impact on clients, and if someone doesn’t, they don’t tend to last long.

Cons

As with any scaling company, priorities can shift quickly, and processes are still being built in real time. If you need rigid structure or a slow pace, it may not be the right fit. You have to be adaptable, self-driven, and okay with little ambiguity. But if you have a process and it works, as long as it is value adding, efficient and you can track success there is no challenge from leadership.

2.0
16 Oct 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Autonomy Work/life balance freedom salary

Cons

Leadership communication Oyster onboarding unexpected internal meetings

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