Decent place to work .................... - Manager Genentech Employee Review

4.0
Oct 28, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You work with really smart people. There is a good work-life balance as well as excellent benefits and the opportunity to work from home.

Cons

It''s really "clique-ish" if you attended a certain university or if you are a part of a certain group, you have a much better chance for advancement. If you did not, it's as if you have to work 2 to 3 times harder just to get noticed let alone advance. As I mentioned, there are a lot of smart people there(on paper), but sometimes a lot of those people seem to be more interested in patting themselves on the back for their past accomplishments than they are at working hard or trying to help the company. A lot of arrogant people. There's also a lot of ambiguity in roles and responsibilities.

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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