Settle an argument between H & me re: promotion.

mamarazzi

My H is getting a significant promotion at his job.  He's going to a managerial position.  He currently makes a base salary plus bi-annual bonues (they're commission-based, but he's never not gotten one and they're basically a "given.")  The new position will require him to take over an entire department and he will be expected to "shake it up" and get it running more smoothly and cost-effectively.  He will likely be doing quite a bit of firing and re-hiring -- things he's not currently responsible for.

He's in negotiations about the financial aspect, but isn't sure what to ask for.  I say a significant promotion should equal a significant raise, but he's being conservative.  I think it can't hurt to ask/shoot high and hopefully they'll at least meet him in the middle of the high number and his current pay.

The department isn't making much now, so having a commission-based salary is a huge gamble.  He wants to ask for a base salary just $2K more than his current base + commission and I don't think that's enough -- especially since he most likely won't see any bonuses for at least 6 months to a year.  The new job will require more responsibility, time and stress and his salary should be reflective of that.

How much more would you ask if you were in the position?


 

WifeyLindsay

I'm with you... i'd say shoot high... they are more than likely going to counter offer anyway. I think $10K is a good amount...??

desik

That's not enough! I would ask 10K more, and hopefully would get at least 5.

cminNJ

My thought would be 10% increase

MarchMom06

I personally would not consider taking on a job with that level of responsibility without an additional 15 to 20% raise. That type of restructuring can be very stressful & require lots of extra hours, so I'd want to be compensated accordingly.

gibs

I think you're thinking about this the wrong way. ?It doesn't matter what he's making now, so everyone who has responded to ask for $x more is wasting time. The question is what the correct salary for the new position is. ?You need to either tell us the industry/details about the new job, or research that.?

Isabella T.

For me, there really isn't enough information in your post to give you a good answer.

What level is the management position? Entry? 

How many people are in the department? How many will be reporting directly to him?

How much experience does he have in this capacity? (meaning management, not the type of business)

What's his education level? MBA? Bachelor's? (you can use an advanced degree as leverage)

You said the department isn't making much now. If not, then I suggest a 2 part deal. Part now and part when he demonstrates exemplary performance as a manager.

mikeandmonica

I agree with you - the 2k is just really not much to have such a significant jump in responsibilities.  I would shoot high and see what they come back with.  My biggest regret is that I didn't negotiate for more money when I got my first job out of college.  I would have him research salaries for similiar jobs in your area and use that as a starting point.  Congrats to him though!

am073104

The promotion won't be worth it if he isn't compensated correctly, because you will have to deal with the brunt of the childcare if he is required to work later and have/bring more stress home from his job.  This is what happened to us... DH sort of de-moted himself (just working fewer hours and on a different project) and now we are happy :-)

See if he can find out what someone in a similar situation is paid.  Maybe try looking at www.bls.gov ?  Make sure he gets what he is worth!