A great company destroyed by Private Equity and terrible management the past 5+ years. - Manager Univar Solutions Employee Review

1.0
Sep 16, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Benefits are very good; excellent supplier network and very dedicated employees. Great history- At one time the company excelled in local markets and was the company of choice for employees, suppliers and most importantly the customer. The company has a solid vision for its oil & gas business.

Cons

Private equity ownership and a very rattled management team. The new Downers Grove, IL headquarters and corresponding expense was not necessary regardless of how it's been sold. Customers don't care and suppliers simply want results. Look at Brenntag. A $10 billion chemical distribution company was built in Seattle, which is good enough for global industry leaders like Starbucks, Microsoft and Amazon. The latter is basically a distribution company with suppliers all over the world. I doubt these companies will be moving to be "closer to customers and suppliers." Key and experienced personnel have left in droves. It's all about boosting the short term balance sheet for the IPO.

Explore other reviews about Univar Solutions

5.0
Feb 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I enjoyed the job very stable and friendly people

Cons

A little outdated tech systems but doable

2.0
Mar 26, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Exposure to large, high-value accounts and complex operational challenges. The role builds resilience quickly and provides strong experience in account management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. There is a high level of ownership in day-to-day responsibilities, which can accelerate skill development for those who are self-driven.

Cons

Since the acquisition by Apollo, the work environment has noticeably declined. While new processes were introduced, leadership often did not take the time to fully understand or follow them, creating confusion and inconsistency across teams. Employees who raised questions or tried to improve processes were not always received positively, which discouraged feedback and innovation. There is also a lack of alignment between departments, leading to inefficiencies, miscommunication, and added pressure on employees managing critical accounts. Workloads are frequently excessive without adequate support, contributing to burnout and turnover. Compensation does not consistently reflect the level of responsibility and workload expected, which further impacts morale and retention. Overall, the organization feels reactive rather than structured, and direction has become increasingly unclear.

2
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