My new boss has 'promoted' me in all but salary

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2015/feb/13/new-boss-promoted-in-all-but-salary

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Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?

I have recently moved into a new role with my firm (a large international professional services firm). I was recruited at the level of “executive” which is similar to a senior team member. My boss, who interviewed me for the role, started referring to me as a “senior executive” (manager) when I started, in correspondence with other teams, and in proposals for new work. I was confused, checked with HR, and confirmed I was an executive. I emailed my boss, and he confirmed that he thought I was an executive.

Since then, I have been referred to as a senior executive a few more times by him – in proposals, emails to other teams, etc. I have let it slide, as I know he is very busy, but I have had a niggling thought that if he thinks I am that level, shouldn’t I be that level, and get paid at that level?

I had my probation meeting today and he erroneously said I need to consider what steps I should take to become an associate director – a level above senior executive. I told him again that I believed I was recruited as an executive and he said he thought of me as a senior executive and that I was working at that level. I thanked him, and said I also thought I was at that level, and capable of it, but didn’t push the fact that I should be promoted with immediate effect.

I am now stuck in a position however where I am only getting paid as an executive and the next round of promotions will not be until October. How should I make sure I am promoted? Should I email him confirming our conversation? I don’t want to be too ballsy, but it seems a bit odd (and unfair).

PS. I should mention that the jump between executive and senior executive is significant, as you take on more responsibility in a management sense, and get paid more.

Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.