Beware it's worse than you can imagine - Anonymous employee Exelixis Employee Review

1.0
Mar 30, 2024
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Competitive compensation, good benefits, and nice CA campus. Many nice and well-meaning employees trying to do their best under impossible circumstances.

Cons

C-suite management is arrogant, unprofessional, not capable/qualified for their roles, and only self-interested. The company has created an illusion of openness and stability to prospective employees that is well crafted but misrepresents how the company actually functions, which is in a constant state of chaos with C-suite micromanagement throughout the organization. This results in under/mis-informed decision-making being the norm, undermining of upper and mid-level management, and constant flux across every dimension of the organization, which leaves most employees in a constant state of exhaustion and disillusionment. The company does not have a forward-looking vision or strategy, only a series of reactions to the latest crisis that are self-made due to poor/inadequate planning. For instance, the company opened a research site in Pennsylvania and closed it in less than a year from the doors opening. This illustrates how dramatically and whimsically the company functions and makes huge decisions to invest and then divest. The company treats employees as widgets that can be hired and fired with little regard to the impact on their lives.

Explore other reviews about Exelixis

5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Comp and benefits: Pay, bonus, equity (ESPP, RSU, PSU, LTIP) very generous. Work life balance: Beautiful new building on the bay, nice views and climate. Onsite gym and cafeteria. 5 days a week onsite with flexibility, both a summer shutdown and a winter shutdown. Commuter benefits such as vanpool and BART. Culture and values: colleagues feel like family. The value of the company is to help patients recover stronger and live longer, and that's huge if being part of a bigger cause is important to you. Diversity and inclusion - Differences are celebrated. Career opportunities - If you wait around for your manager to promote you then it will take a while to happen anywhere. There's plenty of career opportunities in Exelixis, and every time I've shown interest, I've been given new opportunities. Senior management: It's easy to know the leaders at Exelixis, they're very approachable. People here are smart and passionate people that are shaping the future of this company.

Cons

Not everyone is suited to work here, because the company hires and retains high achievers. If you're a high achiever then this is a pro instead of a con, as you will get to work with similar, driven people.

4.0
May 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I read all the reviews before, during, and after the interview process, and after accepting my offer, and found that much of what people are complaining about isn't unique to Exelixis. On-site expectations aren't unique, constant change isn't unique, and leaders who aren't perfect aren't unique. What is unique is the genuinely kind and committed staff, significant investment in excellent benefits and perks, dogs allowed in non-lab environments, and people who spend their careers here. My advice for job seekers: don't be scared. Reach out to your network and ask them directly about their experiences. Bitter Glassdoor reviews didn't dissuade me, and I'm glad I didn't listen.

Cons

Some teams are extremely top-heavy with titles that don't exist in the industry, and some leaders are more interested in flexing their control than leading with empathy.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All