Salaries are, frankly, immoral - made worse by a contractual (and frankly even more immoral) demand not to discuss with colleagues. You will, however, quickly note the clearly expensive and high-spec cars belonging to senior management gleaming from just outside the windows.
There is a distinct lack of progression unless you are one of the 'favourites' of the Executive.
The middle-management is often inept and petty - chosen for loyalty and pliability. They also suffer from a Stepford-like Stockholm syndrome where, because they can work from home and finish early of a Friday, they see Valpak as the promised land. It is not, they should leave.
There is also a definite school-like atmosphere to the place (and not a school I would recommend). This is perhaps an unfair comparison as, in schools, you generally learn things. Unless you are a member of senior management, you will be made to feel like a somewhat dim-witted child: in need of the highest levels of supervision and condescension and most definitely not to be trusted around sharp objects.
It has taken me several years since leaving to relocate my self-esteem and to recognise what truly competent and compassionate management looks like. It is not to be found at Valpak.
