New job - changed job title

[DreadPirate]

I’m starting a new job in about a month. I’ve had a long notice period, so I’ve already visited the new office a few times.
On my first visit, one of the people I interviewed with mentioned in passing that the job title might be different from the one I applied for (to match the previous existing title in the organisation). That existing title feels less senior than the one that was advertised and that I interviewed for (and I am currently in a very senior role so it would look like a huge step down for me). The conversation got interrupted and we never really came back to it.

Everything else feels positive. The role itself is the same, the responsibilities haven’t changed, and they offered me the top of the salary range immediately, without any negotiation, which suggests they value the role at the right level. The people are lovely.

I’ve now received my contract and it uses the existing title, not the advertised one. Part of me wants to go back and say “this isn’t the role I applied for”, but I’m also conscious that I don’t want to overreact if this is fairly normal and easily resolved.

I’d really appreciate views on whether you would feel this is something you’d see as a genuine concern, or more of a cosmetic issue if the job and pay are right? If it is worth raising, any ideas on how would you frame that conversation in a constructive way before starting?

Grateful for any feedback, thanks.

Absolutely flag it. If job was advertised as a specific title which reflects the seniority of the role that should the the title you are given

I'd want that dealt with. Consider it part of the recruitment negotiation process. If the salary was different you'd raise it. I'd politely but clearly go back to them and insist on the job title you applied for. I'd be very very wary if they won't change it.

Top of salary range isn’t always a good sign. Means there is nowhere to grow within the role, you are already at the top of it. Definitely ask about the advertised role name, if it exists in the company and salary range. Perhaps they have recruited that role too and have you in another/lesser. It is not something you want to find out later, but if you have already committed (handed in notice you might be a bit stuck now)

It might help if you can say what the different job titles are or at least give similar examples?

If I applied for global head of marketing and the role was marketing manger I’d be raising it for sure, but it really depends on the importance of the role to your CV, where you are in your career and how different it is, but I’d flag it.

This. Also top of the salary range isn't always a good idea. Where does your salary go from here?

I'd clear up job title and future salary expectations before I signed the contract

I agree with what others say about the offered salary being at the top of the range for that more junior job title. That's not the position you applied for, and you have nowhere to go in terms of progression in that role.

Thanks, everyone. A good point about the salary and one I hadn't thought about.
I'm going to go back to them and mention the job title.

This happened to me. They explained that it was the same job but due to a restructure they had realigned senior roles and it was now higher in the ranks than previously. I preferred the original job title though!

I had very similar happen. I'd been a director but the role became redundant and my old boss recommended me to friends that were starting a similar company. The pay and role was a slight step down, but I was aware of that. I was told I'd be managing XYZ but on the contract, the title was something like 'XYZ assistant'. I queried it and they changed it to 'XYZ manager'.

I'm glad you are planning to query it.

definitely flag it.
I don't think I've ever had a contract back that I haven't asked for a couple of things to be changed.