Leadership Gaps and Organizational Challenges - Director, Program Management Amgen Employee Review

Amgen's leadership in drug development is characterized by a focus on speed over quality, often leading to decisions made without proper cross-functional input or consideration of regulatory impacts. Several leaders rose quickly within the company but lack deep expertise in drug development. This resulted in unrealistic expectations and frequent demands for teams to work long hours, contributing to a high-stress environment. Leadership decisions and requests cause constant havoc, as they lack the necessary foresight and understanding of the complexities involved in drug development, leaving teams to clean up the fallout from poorly informed choices. Promotions at Amgen are frequently based on political skills rather than relevant experience, which creates a culture where those doing the real work are left to fix mistakes and adjust to changes made at higher levels. For those seeking a thoughtful, collaborative work environment where decisions are well-vetted and leadership is experienced, Amgen may not be the best fit. The company’s leadership gaps and emphasis on speed over strategy make it a challenging place to work, especially for those looking for stability and thoughtful guidance.