My boss asked if I would be interested in a role that will be opening up later this year due to a planned retirement.

Anonymous

May 26,2023 at 3:36AM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

My boss asked if I would be interested in a role that will be opening up later this year due to a planned retirement.

She had already talked to her boss, and they thought I would be a good fit.

I’d be going from a senior manager role where my team is 13 people to a director role managing a team of 35. This group is part of a company that we purchased, and part of my role would be to help transition into the way we do things. As my company was also purchased about 1.5 years ago, I’ve been through what they are going through and think I could really help them. I definitely want to be considered for the role. My question is, what is a reasonable expectation for a raise on such a promotion?

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

5 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

5 Comments

Join the conversation

Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 26,2023 at 4:50AM UTC
Personally, I wouldn't start with the question of an expectation of a raise to take on this new role.
I would start with finding out what the salary band for that role is. Depending on what state you're in - or what state the position is in - they could be required by law to provide you with that information. New Pay Transparency laws went into effect at the beginning of the year in some states.
Something to watch out for - some companies have policies in place where they won't give more than x percent on a raise. But if comp is important to you - and it should be, that's a lot more responsibility - please please please start having that conversation early and often.
AnonymousMay 26,2023 at 11:21PM UTC
There is still a lot of talking to be done. So far there’s only been a casual conversation asking if it is something I am interested in with my current boss. It will probably be a couple weeks before there are any more formal talks. I like the idea of asking what the salary band is. It’s what I would do if it is an external position, so why not an internal one?
The reason I was asking here is that the last time I got a promotion it was just after my company got bought and my boss retired (was already planned but he left a bit earlier due to the death of his child). I was just happy to still have a job and a better title, I didn’t even counter the 4% raise. I don’t want to blindly accept this time.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 27,2023 at 12:36AM UTC
Exactly! I read a post on here at least once a month from someone who accepted an internal promotion but for some reason the compensation seemed to be treated like an afterthought and they either got a crappy little raise or in some cases, no raise.
Treat this like you would if it was any other job you were interviewing for - except you're probably better qualified because you have experience in that ecosystem. And the sooner you bring up comp, the sooner they will know it's important to you which should decrease the likely hood of them jerking you around on it.
Keep us posted - GOOD LUCK!
AnonymousMay 26,2023 at 9:38PM UTC
A better question is, what types of perks come with the promotion? Some director-level jobs also get car or gas allowances, phone allowances, and additional benefits like stock options, etc.
AnonymousMay 30,2023 at 2:42PM UTC
Congrats on throwing your hat in the ring! Much of what might be considered "reasonable" depends on your company and industry. It sounds like your company is on the larger side; are there salary tiers? If so, that would be your starting point. If not, the percent increase should be into the double-digits, not considering other perks that may come with a director-level role. Good luck!