Global Capital Investment (GCI) drives the creation of sustainable, efficient, and inspiring work environments that empower Roche employees to innovate for patients globally. We foster a high-performing, collaborative culture where diverse experts act as trusted partners to the business, balancing technical excellence with strategic impact. As a member of the Corporate Architecture global team, the Global Architecture Community, and the Sustainable Construction Community of Practice, you will work within the Sites Network organization to shape the future of our physical footprint. Discover Our Spaces stories
We are seeking an Expert Corporate Architect to join our global team based at our historic campus in South San Francisco. In this strategic role, you will champion architectural excellence across our global footprint, with primary stewardship over major capital projects at the South San Francisco site. As a design consultant and guardian of Our Spaces—Roche’s definitive guide to the built environment—you will harmonize global corporate identity with an authentic local "Sense of Place." Your mission is to shape elegant, sustainable, and highly functional environments that empower our people to discover, develop, and deliver life-changing medicines to patients worldwide.
As the Expert Corporate Architect, you will play a key role in driving quality and consistency in design and architecture for our global facilities. Your key responsibilities include:
- Corporate Identity Stewardship: Ensuring all projects align with the "Our Spaces" guidelines and Roche Corporate Identity by liaising with local architects and acting as a global brand ambassador.
- Design Management: Overseeing the architectural scope for specific building projects and global interior fit-outs from design phase through to realization.
- Consultant Selection: Assessing the capabilities of potential architectural and design consultants or contractors and seeking endorsement from the Head of Corporate Architecture..
- Project Collaboration: Supporting project managers regarding design timelines and resources, and reviewing phase deliverables for quality control and guideline alignment.
- Technical Advisory: Providing direction on global signage, corporate identity adherence, and local guidance according to site Master Plans.
- Sustainability Leadership: Partnering with GCI scope areas and engineering organizations to drive the adoption of sustainable construction, decarbonization, and circularity.
- Strategic Alignment: Translating business needs into tangible project scopes while challenging user requirements to align with global workplace and laboratory strategy governance.
- Stakeholder Management: Be able to clearly communicate across organizations and cultures about the value of corporate architecture and our approach.
We are looking for a passionate and courageous architect, a leader who simplifies complex challenges to create inspiring environments. The ideal candidate meets the following criteria:
- Educational Background: A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Architecture with a deep understanding of architectural theory, history (from Bauhaus to contemporary), and aesthetics with a strength in conceptual design.
- Professional Experience: At least 10 years of international experience leading complex architectural projects, specifically within the life sciences sector (including research and laboratory design).
- Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills, including a working knowledge of BIM, CAD, and project software, alongside experience with sustainable construction strategies.
- Leadership & Communication: A trusted team player with the ability to influence in a matrix organization, communicate across all levels and cultural backgrounds, to build lasting international relationships.
- Mindset & Versatility: A systematic thinker who is open to change, possesses a high sense of continuous improvement, and is willing to travel internationally up to 10%.
Ready for the next step? We look forward to hearing from you. Apply now to discover this exciting opportunity!
This position is not eligible for relocation.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of California is $138,800 - $254,000 USD Annual. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture
- At least 10 years of international experience leading complex architectural projects
- Experience in the life sciences sector, including research and laboratory design
- Strong conceptual design capabilities and understanding of architectural theory, history, and aesthetics
- Working knowledge of BIM, CAD, and project software
- Experience with sustainable construction strategies
- Ability to influence in a matrix organization and communicate across cultures and organizational levels
- Willingness to travel internationally up to 10%
Genentech Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Genentech and has not been reviewed or approved by Genentech.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive across medical, dental, vision, mental health, and prescriptions, supported by HSAs/FSAs and broad wellness resources. On‑site fitness and health centers, mental‑health clinicians, and specialized programs like fully covered preventive cancer screenings and menopause support deepen the offering.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits feature a 401(k) with up to a 4% company match plus an additional annual 6% company contribution to eligible pay. Additional financial protections such as life and accident insurance complement salary, bonuses, and stock options.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time away includes about 20 paid vacation days, paid holidays, personal days, and a year‑end shutdown. A paid six‑week sabbatical every six years notably expands long‑term time‑off flexibility.
Genentech Insights
What We Do
Considered the founder of the industry, Genentech, now a member of the Roche Group, has been delivering on the promise of biotechnology for more than 40 years. Genentech is a biotechnology company dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and life-threatening diseases. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis. We're passionate about finding solutions for people facing the world's most difficult-to-treat conditions. That is why we use cutting-edge science to create and deliver innovative medicines around the globe. To us, science is personal. Making a difference in the lives of millions starts when you make a change in yours.
