I work for an international company (as a materials scientist) that manufactures automobile components. We’re headquartered in the UK, where I’m currently based, but we have divisions in Germany, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Denmark, and mainland China (Dalian).
I started my job 6 months ago after submitting my Ph.D. I’m undergoing what they term a “Management Training Program”, which involves rotation between our different divisions across the world. My next placement is in Germany, where I’ll spend between 8-12 months, and possibly China afterward.
A few weeks ago, the manager discussed my future aspirations within the company. I wanted to take on a more research/science orientated role. We are more or less aligned in terms of expectations. So he proposed to make me a Technical Manager for my next position after I complete my international touring. He also reminded me that someone of my academic background managed to become the General Manager (in charge of the entire factory) in 8 years in the past. He was also clear that the top management of the company really wanted me to remain in the UK. Historically, our management trainees ended up being snatched by our other divisions abroad. So they really want me here. Especially when I have a doctorate in the same field/subject area of the industry I work in. This much was very clear.
Knowing how much higher salaries are for engineers/scientists in Germany and Denmark, how far can I push salary negotiations for them to keep me in the UK? At the same time, I’m aware of the UK economy’s inability to support really high wages in a lot of industries. So I’m not sure how far I can go in negotiating
3 comments
You can negotiate to any amount you believe you are worth. If the company agrees they’ll pay you what you want or if they disagree they disagree. Worst case they don’t let you have the job if you’re not hired yet or let you go with notice as you haven’t been there 12 months they don’t need a good reason to give you the sack
I work for a German company. I used to work for it in Germany, but recently moved back to the UK and moved to be employed by the limited company here.
The company has a comparative payscale drawn up across all the countries it operates in to account for local market conditions, cost of living, employer social security contributions etc. So people moving between countries get their salary adjusted accordingly.
On that system, the UK has a much higher salary (especially when looking at post-tax income) for the same role, across all roles. That includes scientists (though not in automotive).
I wouldn’t be so sure that being based in Germany or Denmark results in a higher salary, especially after taxes (and accounting for the fact you may be paying your UK student loans on top).
Realistically: you might negotiate a good salary but if you stay with this company for many years you will not see the salary progression you might get by moving firms several times.
In my experience of international firms, they won’t match the salary of one country in another. E.g. a data scientist/data engineer in India earns a fraction of their British and American counterparts. They won’t get far trying to get any kind of parity.