Big Pharma with a California flare - Executive Director Genentech Employee Review

5.0
Jan 13, 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This company really puts people first. Lots say this, but this one truly lives it. Extra efforts are put into making sure you can show up as your "whole self" each and every day. They are creative, innovative, entrepreneurial and disruptive. Salary and benefits exceed expectations (as long as you dont live and commute to the home office in SSF where the cost of living negates the perceived advantages relative to other US located Pharma companies.

Cons

Spend so much time connecting and communicating that we have less than needed time to actually do the work. While benefits package is robust, I would like to see greater flexibility in adjusting to what the employee wants... One size fits all is weak. Also calibration and forced ranking remains a backwards approach to rewarding performance but these guys are not the only ones that still believe

Explore other reviews about Genentech

5.0
Jul 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great culture and work environment.

Cons

PhD is necessary oftentimes for advancement.

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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