Officially a Very Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Very Good
Company to Work For
Officially an Outstanding
Company to Work For
Officially an Outstanding
Company to Work For
Officially a World Class
Company to Work For
Officially a World Class
Company to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Global*
Good Company
to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Globally*
Working for Prodrive is, ultimately, a sport. Its talented technicians and engineers form the Subaru constructors team, which traverses the globe in its quest for the World Rally Championship. Workshop and support staff contribute equally to podium success. "For 99% of people here this is where they want to be, so it's like getting paid to enjoy yourself," says tanned Irishman John McLean, No 1 technician in charge of Petter Solberg, the 2003 world champion. The rewards are obvious. More than four in five are proud to work for the company, a top 20 score across all 100 best companies.
Founded in 1984 by David Richards and Ian Parry, the vehicle technology designer really took off when it began working with Subaru in 1990, in a bid to transform the Japanese giant's ailing brand image. The jaw-dropping Impreza is now iconic among driving enthusiasts, and Prodrive is the world's largest motor sport and automotive technology business, with a £125m turnover and 553 employees based in Banbury, Warwick and Milton Keynes.
Most of its staff are men (86%) — typical of the motor sport industry — and most work as engineers, designing parts on computers; or technicians, fitting these parts. Engineers typically earn £41,975, although some can command £80,000-plus.
The work, though dripping in prestige, is hard. Employees can counter this with a Fit for Life programme, offering biannual health checks. A row of mountain bikes awaits staff, who are encouraged to get out into the nearby countryside on breaks.
Working hours are unpredictable, but staff feel rewarded for their commitment. David Johnstone, a technician for the Aston Martin racing team, says: "They ask a lot of you, but look after you well. It's quite a close-knit company and you build up a good rapport."
Described by some as "the Bernie Ecclestone of rally driving", Richards believes in local pride as well as global success, and offers 60 work placements a year, aimed at the "aspiring engineers in local schools". Three-quarters of the staff are inspired by Richards, another top 20 score.
Employees do leave for other racing teams — again, an industry norm — yet frequently return, absence making the heart grow fonder for Prodrive's quest for perfection. Four in five concede that they would miss the company if they left.
Social events tend to be held in Japan, Italy, New Zealand and other worldwide racing hot spots, but those back in the UK are adept at spraying their office with champagne. Sales, human resources, administration and finance unite with the grease monkeys at a "posh" Christmas party.
All employees are eligible for share options (awarded annually in March) and financial advice, and 232 get free private healthcare. The overall package is not enough for some, however: 46% are unhappy with the pay and benefits they receive, a bottom 10 score.
My team is fun to work with
I feel proud to work for this organisation
I have a great deal of faith in the person leading this organisation
My team is fun to work with
I feel proud to work for this organisation
My team is fun to work with
If you like what you see here and would like to know more about working for a
1 Star
organisation, simply click the link for further information about careers with
Prodrive
.