Fall from 'Best Places to Work' - IT Manager Genentech Employee Review

3.0
Nov 13, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

+ Fully integrated biotech, meaning that you can move between jobs in sales, research, development, manufacturing and in support functions -- all in the same company + Promising drug pipeline

Cons

Many of the perqs that were omnipresent during the Avastin years are slowly dropping away, as Roche takes a firmer hand managing the compensation of the US (Genentech) staff. This is least apparent in Research; most apparent in the support functions (IT, HR, Legal, etc.). Be very wary of putting too much stock in the 'Best Places to Work' wins in 2008-2011 -- much has changed since then.

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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