Pros
First, I work in the Own Brands Department of Supervalu, which is the CPG/Brand Management group in charge of managing the Private Label business. We operate somewhat independently of the core merchandising function of the retail business and there are significant differences in quality of life, work life balance and the overall experience. The differences are what you'd expect...merchants and brand marketers are completely different animals. The private label area is an overall good space to work in. Leadership is competent and we've been successful relative to the rest of the business. If you produce results, management doesn't overly interfere or micromanage. I've never been hassled on vacation requests and we have flexibility to come and go...again, assuming you perform.
Cons
It is retail and led by merchandising which creates frequent 'firedrills' and overall shortsightedness. The efforts to centralize 8+ retail banners located throughout the US also causes some ambiguity and thicker than necessary layers of beurocracy.