Valero reviews

* Had no real "R&D" during my tenure. It was a pure refining company with some pipeline and retail. I think they are branching into cellulosic bio-fuels, ethanol plants and wind farming - not exactly game changing ventures. The business environment for this model will be extremely challenging, to say the least. * Extremely formal, structured heirarchy - even beyond what one would normally expect from conservative corporate environments. * Strict dress-code for men and women - think suit and tie + San Antonio summers. * No 9/80's - was revoked during Greehey administration to increase worker productivity. * Mandatory "voluntary" participation in United Way - minimum of 1% of annual salary for Managers/Supervisors. Annual "United Way" kick-off where Greehey extolled the virtues of giving and derided those employees who did not give. * Mandatory "voluntary" community service - some departments had "unwritten" 24 hour annual minimums per year - service could not be on Company-time...had to be fulfilled on personal time, such as weekends and vacation. * Spoken, but "unwritten" expectation to belong to ValPAC (Valero Political Action Committee). * Entrenched, ultra-conservative "good 'ol boy network"....less than stellar mid-management population. * A tendency to hire-in external people to "lead" teams and departments, while many loyal, long-term (and capable) employees were overlooked. * Not a friendly environment for typical "out-groups" - women, non-whites, or members of the LGBT community. Even self-professed hippies (as in 1960's - not the new-age Southern California version) and liberals should tread carefully...it was not-uncommon for employees to be "strongly encouraged" (read cattle guarded) into attending high-profile PAC functions with conservative speakers like Rudy Guiliani.

Still operates in a 1950s office environment where most leadership positions are dominated by white males, a very prominent good ole boy network, and an ultra conservative culture that is the anthesis of how many employers operate in the post Covid era. Diversity and inclusion seems to be preached through the recognition of various cultures and backgrounds but actually comes off more as lip service than anything. Back in the Bill Greehey days the company motto was “employees are our #1 asset”. Transition to today where the new motto is “everyday is game day” which translates to profits over people. And this was none more apparent back in 2020 when employees were forced to work in the office during Covid, putting the the health of all employees and their families at risk under the guise of “we work better together” when really it was really about management needing to still feel in control by having butts in seats. As for the job itself, the work-life balance was non existent. While you could take vacation you ended up paying for it when returning as there was a lot of catch-up to do which sometimes resulted in working weekends and longer hours throughout the week. Career trajectories are undefined to the point where you are pigeon-holed in a position with very limited options to move around once you reach a certain point which ultimately leads to burnout and frustration.