Connect to a value stream, navigate the matrix manager - Program Manager Honeywell Employee Review

4.0
Dec 27, 2013
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Honeywell is diverse and is growing mostly through acquisitions. Four large divisions Aerospace (Phoenix) ACS (Automation Control - Minnepolis, Phoenix) PM- Performance Materials, and TS -Transportation systems. If you are savvy in M&A then begin your career in the ACS division - the largest and best acquisitions have come from this diverse conglomerate. However if you have more of an operations background, each business is maturing the lean journey with HOS (Honeywell's operating system). Over 25 standard specifications on lean management enterprise wide. The key is to be close to value stream, where value add is managed on multiple metrics (sometimes conflicting metrics - like inventory and delivery) here you will have to navigate which matrixed manager has more authority. As a PRO if you can align with a business case, deliver on commitments and be politically asute, you can advance.

Cons

The matrixed management approach also has some downsides. If projects are not aligned or there is quickly changing priorities you can find yourself underperforming on Honeywell's 9-block rating scale. This is similar to GE's bottom ten percent will be fired design. Add to this far too many levels beyond the value stream and those matrixed managers, director and VPs begin to have ambiguous titles and continued conflicting and siloed goals. Next add a few narrsasistic eager new directors and you have the recipe for far too much politics and favoritism. So if you can stick close to a value stream and improve it. More power to you, but be weary of breaking into the management ranks unless you strive for that political maneuvering.

Explore other reviews about Honeywell

5.0
Jul 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

fast paced, engaged teams, rigorous onboarding process, helpful individuals to find your way

Cons

complex structure and not a lot of "up to date" visuals to help figure it out

5.0
Jul 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Helpful co-workers when questions arise. Managers guidance is very insightful with knowing which routes to take when simple procedures have different paths to getting them done.

Cons

There is not a lot of streamlined paths to doing things. Some things may need to be done differently, but there may not be instructions on how to do those things. Which I have to reach out to co-workers for help.

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