Chaotic and badly managed - Anonymous employee Pottermore Employee Review

1.0
18 Jul 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Nice modern office in a decent location. Free biscuits. Harry Potter artwork everywhere.

Cons

Communication and senior management in this company is the worst I've known. There isn't a cohesive plan of work from top down. Trying to get information from anyone is like trying to get blood out of a stone. Maybe because no one actually has a clue what the ask is and has just delegated the work on in the hope someone else will either take the blame for bad delivery, or is able to take a lucky guess as to what is actually needed. At the end of the day, it's a company that is trying to milk a lot out of a limited source and it's just not quite working with the current management structure in place. Good luck if you choose to work here, you're going to need it.

Explore other reviews about Pottermore

5.0
14 Jul 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The people who work here are both kind and brilliant - which is a very tough combination to find. The culture is absolutely set by the CEO, who is inspiring, formidable, and open. The editorial, marketing and social media teams are extremely talented, and there's generally a great dedication to nurturing imagination, creativity, and new talent. And there's a really nice social vibe too - book clubs, boot camps (which I always think of going to but never do), birthday drinks, ice cream treats in the afternoons. It's a truly delightful place to work, and I've made some very great friends already. Beautiful offices, exciting projects, really great gender balance and heaps of women in leadership positions, which really means a lot to me. There are definitely role models and mentoring possibilities in the editorial and creative areas, and I imagine elsewhere. There's a really lovely, collaborative approach and ultimately, everyone here is in the business of imagination - so they're all a little bit magical.

Cons

Nah. I can't really think of anything, to be honest.

3
1.0
13 Feb 2015
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Working here means you deal with a brand that was incredibly successful and has a special place in the hearts of those whose teenage years involved Harry Potter books and films. Also trendy wooden floors, free coffee and bread, plus offices in great location

Cons

The senior management can't devise a strategy for toffee, so have bought in an army of overpaid mercenary consultants, who are laughing all the way to the bank. However, whilst taking the money, none of them have come up with a plausible strategy as to how to revitalise an ageing brand (answer - you can't, the kids are over it). The minions at Pottermore by contrast are unhappy and ignored. Their views are not invited and would be rejected in favour of an external (and expensive) opinion by the untrusting senior management. you'd have thought this would be an excellent brand to have on your CV and a great place to work - but in fact it'll rob you of your confidence, and eventually break you.

10
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