Overall, a great place to work but has lost a little of the Bay Area fast paced feel - Associate Director, Finance Genentech Employee Review

4.0
Apr 14, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Strong company with a strong and growing future, solid leadership in most areas, good benefits and competitive compensation. Great perks known by the Bay Area's top companies.

Cons

Has lost a noticeable amount of the Bay Area fast company feel and culture over the last few year largely due to being integrated into large pharma thinking and practices. Can be difficult to get things done, especially in a global setting. Employee Performance review process and related compensation awards out dated and does not necessarily consistently reward strong performance (ratings a based on a distribution curve).

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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