What to tell new employer reason for leaving current role? Help appreciated

Been at current employer for 8 years and been pretty happy for most part. I grew bored of my role so with my old manager's support I applied for a different role internally. This role was at a higher title (as the business head) in a different department, so if I was an external hire I would have got the title and additional pay. Since I was not and an internal hire; by policy it's treated as a "lateral". I was not given any additional money or title. I have grown the business as the head by 300%. Unfortunately, I was advised though I have done very well I could not be"promoted" this year since I'm "new". While no explicit commitments were made at time of hire, I was given inferred assurances that I would be "fixed" in terms of title and pay at the end of year. Pay remains to be seen as we are undergoing end of year compensation process now but I'm very skeptical given how badly the title remediation has gone. So, in meantime I'm putting some feelers out in market. I love my job and the team, but it's a hard pill to swallow that I'm a whole grade underpaid and under-titled. I'm getting positive responses from back from other firms at the title/grade I should be at. What should I tell the employers on why I'm considering other roles? Technically I've only been in this job since March. Thanks in advance!

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First Republic fakeacct Dec 1, 2019

Grass isn’t always greener outside. Sometimes management doesn’t understand great you are until you leave. I hate companies that underpay you especially when you’re an internal transfer. I would say you’re exploring your options. Does your current manager know about your situation?

Citibank sasha15 OP Dec 1, 2019

Agree, other things could be worse. But I would go in with the title and pay I'm supposed to have for the job I was hired to do? Does it look bad that I'm exploring options 10 months in? No my current manager does not, I did allude to that I'm not being compensated for what was advertised and well below my peers. So hopefully he takes that hint and takes care of comp end of year. He is very seasoned and I'm sure reading between the lines. I didn't explicitly tell him.

First Republic fakeacct Dec 1, 2019

From my side, you’re in a pretty good situation. Only thing is salary and title. I think if you have an discussion with manager about what sales goals you need to hit in order to get X amount of salary/compensation and title you should be on track to hit your goal in a year. Otherwise, get outside offers and bring to management if it’s much better.

Citibank sasha15 OP Dec 1, 2019

I know a number of other senior people have left the company under him historically due to lack of progression and come back in to other managers in the business area because he does not advocate for his people no matter how good. So I'm not hopeful he really will take care of me.

First Republic fakeacct Dec 2, 2019

I guess you know exactly what to expect.

Citibank sasha15 OP Dec 1, 2019

Is it bad to be upfront with new employer or just stay vague with "looking for new opportunities".

First Republic fakeacct Dec 2, 2019

IMHO, stay vague and honest. No need to bash current company though. It’s just business, nothing personal.