operations technician

customer service representative

clerk

financial planning analyst

gis specialist

South Jersey Industries

Where to begin...the organization is antiquated, and despite claims that they are refreshing their approach and modernizing, the same leadership that has been with the organization for years is incapable of delivering on that promise.  Most of the senior leadership team has been with SJI exclusively, resulting in both younger and more tenured leaders lacking any meaningful progressive experience outside of SJI to drive change or help the organization mature. The product is a company that is running in place, throwing ideas at the wall and seeing what sticks, devoid of any long term strategic direction.  The culture demonizes competition, and innovation is stagnant as a result.  There is a high level of tolerance for incompetence thanks to a long tradition of nepotism, and many critical functions (Org Effectiveness, HR, etc.) spend a lot of time throwing around cliche buzz words at the expense of executing.  Haphazard decision making is a constant, and leads to issues like rushed, poorly planned and even more poorly executed organizational changes.  A complete lack of stability leaves employees constantly in limbo, with positions, even newly created ones, being eliminated or reorged regularly, even multiple times in the course of a year.  Executive communication, when existent, is inconsistent and often misleading, and adds to a toxic environment. Couple that with a poor vacation policy and complete disregard for work life balance and you have a total bust.

The leadership in place is incapable of delivering on the organization's goals. This is a company that is enslaved by its unions, and only survives as a result of its natural monopoly.  The reviews that call this a "Good Old Boys Club" are spot on - there is a long and ongoing history of nepotism that, while no longer flaunted, is still very much in practice.  Long term employees get preferential treatment and their resistance to and inability to change outweighs any other priorities.  I ignored many of the negative reviews on Glassdoor before - big mistake. Lesson learned. This is definitely a pass. Absolutely toxic.

Mom and Pop Utility caring about image more than quality, relationships, and honesty.  Backstabbing is openly known within teams, management holds grudges, and it is never properly addressed.  Can't be open or talk about anything that isn't positive.  IT Senior Leadership is definitely a woke culture that doesn't address issues and uses HR as a weapon to anyone that opposes their personal agenda.  IT Leadership manages through fear and can't talk openly or suggest anything that isn't supportive of already made decisions.  Team collaboration is encouraged but only within silos.  IT Leaders do not play well with each other and are very dishonest; if you talk about it, you're targeted; if they find out, they look for a reason to fire you; If you know more than your manager, keep it to yourself or get transferred into another job, or get fired for no reason.  

When I was hired 3 years ago there was a 5 year strategic plan with direction and management support.  Team building was expected and everyone worked hard and loved their jobs.  We had an open door policy and everyone felt confident with the direction of IT.
October of 2013 our Director along with our PMO were fired(long story), 3 months after that our executive VP over IT was fired as well leaving the IT managers, Network Support/Application Support, me being one of the two to keep the projects moving and support the company needs without fail.  Which we were told were exceeding expectations.  When the new director was hired, she came in with a plan to reorganize and after 3 months eliminated my position IT Application Support Manager.  

Needless to say it will take some time for the team to adjust.

Since the company was taken over by JP Morgan, the overall experience has significantly declined. What was once a promising environment has become filled with roadblocks and unfulfilled promises. While there are many talented and dedicated individuals working there, new employees are often given overly optimistic expectations that are rarely met.

Management is largely constrained by higher-level executives, and HR appears disconnected from the day-to-day realities employees face. Getting clear and honest answers is a challenge.

One of the main reasons I accepted a substantial pay cut to join was the exceptional perks. Unfortunately, over the past two years, many of those benefits have been reduced or eliminated entirely. Paid time off has been cut back, flex time is nearly nonexistent, and the once-popular summer hours—half-day Fridays—are no longer offered.

I've worked for SJI for almost two years.  It's an incredible company and I kick myself for not coming here sooner.  I've already been promoted in my short time here.  My management teams have been incredibly supportive of my work-life balance.  I've seen accommodations made for several people when a family emergency arises.  They offer little perks like free coffee and snacks, as well as yard sale prices for items they're getting rid of.  It might not seem like much to some people, but those little perks show that they put their employees first.  My health benefits are amazing and cost a fraction of what similar benefit plans cost.  I wish I could get all of my family and friends jobs here, because I really do love coming to work.

Working at SJI is great entry level position for most people. There are opportunities to grow within the company, but you have you be in the right department at the right time, as the promotions are few and far between. 

I have experienced a limited work/life balance just because of my position/job. The headquarters is kind of remote, so unless you live in the actual town where you work, prepare for a 30-40 minute commute everyday. 

Overall I think SJI helped me gain valuable experience, but I don't feel as is upper management is too concerned with educating/training entry level employees. That being said, entry level employees do get over looked for their valuable contributions to operations.

What is the best part of working at the company?
The health benefits and amount of time off given.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Inaccurate and incomplete job descriptions/requirements and chaotic management styles.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Not transparent and confusing for those not in the upper levels of management. Clear lack of respect for those on the front lines.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Sitting in countless meetings that had no relevance to my position or work needs. Mitigating management ever-changing demands with a struggling workforce.

Management there was the worst. They only looked out for themselves. Only people seeing advancement were higher up employees. CEO only seems to care about the bottom line and nothing else. Before leaving the company there were long time employees of over 25 plus years with the company being let go. Once that happened, I saw this company's true colors. Employees are not appreciated enough here and you will not here "good job" from your managers. You will only hear "can you work longer or no you can't have off this week of vacation"

I worked for the company for almost 2 years, within that time the company was great. I could call a manager at any point in my day and get a question answered or a problem resolved. The pay was great and health Benefits were awesome. The only reason I had left was because I received a job offer that offered a pension and annuity fund. If South Jeresy Industries ever implements a pension in the near future I would go back in a heart beat!

New management lacks the experience and credibility to lead the organization hence the buyout. But hey they are very happy about it as it will make them fatter, dumber and happier than they are now. The main goal of the leaders in play is end of year bonuses. As an employee, I've seen many colleagues who have more experience and knowledge than their wet behind the ears managers get rebuked, ridiculed and criticized because a manager's ego got bruised. Sad but true. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Operations technician 9 salaries reported	$22.75 per hour
Customer service representative 3 salaries reported	$23.68 per hour
Clerk 2 salaries reported	$20.13 per hour
Financial planning analyst 5 salaries reported	$84,923 per year
Gis specialist 4 salaries reported	$66,422 per year

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