Great place to work - Project Manager Genentech Employee Review

5.0
Feb 16, 2010
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

rewarding work, personal connection to the company mission to improve the lives of patients fun factor - company parties are great, eg. GIn Blossoms playing at the holiday party; t-shirts for major milestones

Cons

Project Managers aren't highly respected by upper management. There's a sense of distrust or incompetence that trickles down from the top; ironically, we can't do our best because our hands are so tied following processes and guidelines that remove any "art" or judgment that would utilize our valuable experience and knowledge. Focus on development is strictly "soft skills"; some of which is great. But for technical folks that have put in many years at one company, it's critical to hone technical skills too. You can't keep up with technology trends when you're working with the same folks and same systems for 5+ years. You must have exposure to new things from external sources. Technical training is NOT readily available.

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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