Connect to a value stream, navigate the matrix manager - Program Manager Honeywell Employee Review

4.0
27 Dec 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Honeywell is diverse and is growing mostly through acquisitions. Four large divisions Aerospace (Phoenix) ACS (Automation Control - Minnepolis, Phoenix) PM- Performance Materials, and TS -Transportation systems. If you are savvy in M&A then begin your career in the ACS division - the largest and best acquisitions have come from this diverse conglomerate. However if you have more of an operations background, each business is maturing the lean journey with HOS (Honeywell's operating system). Over 25 standard specifications on lean management enterprise wide. The key is to be close to value stream, where value add is managed on multiple metrics (sometimes conflicting metrics - like inventory and delivery) here you will have to navigate which matrixed manager has more authority. As a PRO if you can align with a business case, deliver on commitments and be politically asute, you can advance.

Cons

The matrixed management approach also has some downsides. If projects are not aligned or there is quickly changing priorities you can find yourself underperforming on Honeywell's 9-block rating scale. This is similar to GE's bottom ten percent will be fired design. Add to this far too many levels beyond the value stream and those matrixed managers, director and VPs begin to have ambiguous titles and continued conflicting and siloed goals. Next add a few narrsasistic eager new directors and you have the recipe for far too much politics and favoritism. So if you can stick close to a value stream and improve it. More power to you, but be weary of breaking into the management ranks unless you strive for that political maneuvering.

Explore other reviews about Honeywell

5.0
8 Jul 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

A lot of learning and support

Cons

A slow start in terms of setup and access

3.0
7 Jul 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Interesting product offerings, learning both global and domestic industry, ability to climb the ladder and have career growth if you work hard. Great people within the business.

Cons

Honeywell corporate culture is very negative. They don't really care about employees, and many executive level managers will ask for things that require late night and weekend work. There is very little work life balance, and no cross training so you still may be contacted or expected to pitch in while you are on vacation.

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