was great, ended up being the worst place I ever worked - Principal Technical Manager Genentech Employee Review

2.0
May 6, 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Yeah those perks are great...in the beginning they pay well their name on your resume will bring oohs and aahs from hiring managers

Cons

It ended up being a bullying, toxic environment. For 5 years I saw "increase women in leadership positions by 35%" and year after year I not only watched that goal never achieved, but I also saw with my own eyes nothing but white men get the opportunities. Your direct manager has way way way too much autonomy. If your manager thinks you aren't a leader POOF! You arent a leader, despite your past achievements! If your "perception" is that you are not professional, BOOM...you are deemd no professional from there on out. Had a disagreement with a co worker? Well that unprofessional coworker will mention that in your 360 review and your incompetent manager will take that as validation that, YES you are in fact incompetent! It was horrible. I stayed 2 years too long and my health was affected by it. Beware. It's not what it is cracked up to be. BUT...it does look fantastic on your resume.. I tried to leave...for 2 years internally. I never got ONE interview. not even an interview. Those positions are like finding a needle in a hay stack. You'll make more externally with the GNE name on your resume. Take the jump. Work life Balance USED to be great, but it's by Management discretion. There is a senior director who won't let her people work from home, or even ON THE COMPANY WIFI ENABLED BUS and those people certainly dont enjoy flexible work options, despite 90% of their job being on the phone. No common sense in a lot of folks.

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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.

2
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