Pros
So my last review of Sage was balanced but quite scathing of the then CEO and his policies. Since then we have a new CEO and importantly we can start to see the effects of this change in management. So I felt it time to write a new review (the old review has been deleted).
Sage has a large number of product teams and an IS department that offer a wide variety of languages, platforms and frameworks. This means that even if the technology you want to work in isn't supported by your current team, chances are you'll be able to move at some point to another more suitable team. Common languages include C#, Javascript, Ruby, C++ and Apex. Common platforms include Azure, Salesforce and AWS. Common frameworks include Asp.Net, Ruby on Rails and Node. This is just a selection and there are no doubt many more.
Sage encourages movement between teams, but you may need to wait for a spot to become available on another team before you can move.
Mentorship is strong, there are a large number of highly skilled developers at Sage, this is of particular benefit if you are still at an early stage in your career as the chances are you will be partnered up with someone with at least 10 years experience.
Job progression is encouraged, but don't expect to slide up the scale based on the number of years you have worked for Sage. You need to prove you are really good.
The building despite showing its age in places, is still very much up to the job. It has good facilities, canteen, shop, cafe and gym can all be found on-site. Off-site the location is largely in the middle of an ever expanding housing estate, but there are lots of landscaped routes to walk or run around at lunchtime if you want to get out.
Parking is good, but can be tricky if you get here after 9.30. Though there is a free public car park a few mins walk away which never fills up.
Sage offers volunteer days which are well worth taking.
Sage is generally strong on benefits often beating the local competition. Salaries are the norm for the role and the area but are backed up by a good pension, life assurance and health care to mention a few.
Cons
So looking back at my last review I was most strong against the Salesforce strategy enforced by the then CEO. The penny has now dropped in upper management and we have changed course on what I believe was a damaging route.
There is still some Salesforce development within Sage, but if it is targeted towards existing Salesforce users then there is no means to suspect that it will not be a success.
Many of the other hateful policies have gone, Sage has listened to its staff and it now feels a much better place to work.
As a big company Sage still suffers from corporatism and all the baggage that brings. This has plus and minus effects. Pluses are that as a company things are pretty well organised. Cons, sometimes you feel that you are fighting against the machine.
