Applied to Sr Manager position in Supply Chain; however, I was given the option to speak to a few hiring managers of different positions as there are numerous openings in the department. Finally, after phone interviewing with the hiring manager of one position (Sr Manager, Supply Chain), I was brought onsite for onsite interview (flight, hotel accommodations as I'm from the Bay Area). Met 4 directors, hiring manager, and lunch with team (4 people). Interview is fairly standard process, and the questions asked are fair and normal. Got the offer 1 week after, but was offered a Supply Chain Manager position rather than the one that I applied - Sr Manager Supply Chain. Since no one during the interview bought up any concerns regarding my experience nor my skills, it was out of the blue that they offered me a position that is lower than what I interviewed for. Reason being that I don't have the years of experience so that by giving me the Sr Manager title, there could be "internal team balance issues." To me that just shows 1) management likes me well enough for an offer, but are not fully on-board with my skills 2) politics to balance existing team rather than have skills dictate people's title and position. I declined the offer even-though the money is competitive because the title is exactly the same as my current title, so what point is there for me to transition to another organization? I told them that I value career progression a lot more than just some monetary raise, and I ain't bluffing. In business, you are 100% committed or not committed at all, don't half-ass anything. To me, it shows that management doesn't have full confidence in me or are indecisive in their decision making. If they are concerned with team balancing with their hiring, I have concerns regarding their growth/promotion process as well since there's no guarantees that at that point they won't be worrying about hurting the feelings of some existing employees by promoting someone that's younger. I believe that that titles should be capability and skill driven, not age. Honestly, past a certain number of years, the years of experience in the field is just diminishing returns. It is about mindset and the talent that set organizations part. In the end, I felt like this is a positive experience for me to gauge my value and meet the team, but not one that I feel confidently about joining anymore. In addition, I am currently in position where I am managing a department, but at Kite, even the sr management position is an individual contributor. So them lowering the title made my decision even easier.

The interview process was smooth. Everyone I came in contact with was warm, energetic, and sharp. I received clear communication and expectations throughout my candidate experience. I was impressed and from start to completion. This was the best interview experience!