Toxic Company Culture - Operations Supervisor McMaster-Carr Employee Review

1.0
7 Apr 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Pay, Benefits, PTO and Profit-Sharing, but nothing else

Cons

As many have said before and will likely say after, the company propagates a "sink-or-swim" environment for new management completely dependent on fitting in with the needlessly political culture. Performance reviews are entirely subjective, based on your bosses own agenda and personal opinions, rather than any objective measurement of performance. Supervisors constantly blame others for everything that can go wrong in the distribution center, gossiping about management moves, performance, and the constant stream of resignations while you are just trying to eat lunch (but if you go somewhere nearby for food, you will be labeled as "aloof"). As a management trainee, you will be routinely shifted to different areas of the business, regardless of your preference, with little or no warning. Soon, you will also be expected to lead tenured employees with no prior experience. To potential future management trainees likely deciding between consulting gigs and this opportunity, I would heavily recommend choosing the former as it will greatly enhance your resume comparatively, the work is likely to be way more fulfilling, and you will have a lot better exit opportunities outside of distribution/supply chain management.

Explore other reviews about McMaster-Carr

5.0
14 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

At least in the Systems department, it’s a helpful and collaborative environment.

Cons

3 days in office and potentially long commute from the city

4.0
16 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- Pay/benefits are incredibly generous - People are generally easy/nice to work with - Note that the Systems department seems to be fairly isolated from the negative issues discussed in other reviews (e.g. tension between warehouse workers and management) - I haven't experienced any of those issues within the systems department. In my opinion, Systems is a great place to work and develop as an engineer. - Hybrid work style (3 days in office). Personally, I like hybrid more than both fully in-office and fully remote styles. - Great cafeteria with good food and cheap prices. - Good work/life balance (outside of being on call, I can leave work at work).

Cons

- Work is not super interesting to me. I come from a highly technical, but very different (not ecommerce/industrial supplies), background where I was doing work I was much more interested in. No doubt there are folks in Systems who love the domain though. - While I'm not on call a ton (1-2 weeks every few months), I really hate being on call. I like to leave work at work. Note that joining at least one reliability team is expected within your first year or so.

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