Genentech, great place to work, but beware, it is big pharma - Senior Project Manager Genentech Employee Review

4.0
Dec 18, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Genentech pays well and offers a compelling benefits package. Opportunities for lateral movement are many and thus it is possible to acquire many new skills and experiences. The campus environment is casual, but intense. It's like you're living in a different world sometimes, but they do make a good effort to keep things relatively comfortable.

Cons

As they continue to grow larger, the focus on processes is increasing. I fear they tend to lean towards least common denominator thinking at times. That is, that opportunities for advancement are sometimes dumbed down to the point where you need to have a certain number of checkboxes completed before being considered for movement. Also, the entrepreneurial spirit is dying as employees become task masters to senior management. 6 years ago there was more flying by the seat of the pants and opportunities to jump in and really rise to the occasion, but increasingly it feels like you're grinding away at the same old job, putting in more hours working at things you already know and not really getting a chance to try new things within the scope of your current job and shine. Employee roles are becoming increasingly defined and thus general skills are giving way to specialization. It is the natural evolution of big companies, but Genentech used to feel like the underdog and had a fighting spirit. That's begun to ebb now.

Explore other reviews about Genentech

5.0
Jun 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great salary and team! The interview process was smooth and effective.

Cons

To be determined, but so far many alignment meetings. Some folks have frustuations around the re-org and strategy changes.

3.0
May 7, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Genentech's origin story and mission are genuinely inspiring — few companies can point to such a meaningful historical arc in medicine. Patient engagement is taken seriously and feels authentic, not performative. The campus is beautiful and the culture has real warmth.

Cons

DDA is operating with significant gaps. First, the foundational data infrastructure is not mature enough to support the ambitions being set for the team. Second, the measurement culture has gotten ahead of the methodology, and no one in a position of authority seems to be asking hard questions about whether the numbers actually mean what they're being presented as meaning. Third, some management feel disconnected from the work itself, lacking the knowledge, hands-on experience, or relevant credentials. Individually any one of these would be manageable. Together these create an environment where it's hard to do rigorous work, rather work is performative, and be recognized for it.

3
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