Expert Corporate Architect, Sites Network

Roche • South San Francisco, CA

4d • $138,800 - $254,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Expert Corporate Architect will join Roche’s global Corporate Architecture team within the Sites Network organization, based at the South San Francisco campus. The role champions architectural excellence across Roche’s global facilities, with primary stewardship over major capital projects at the South San Francisco site. As a design consultant and guardian of Roche’s Our Spaces guidelines, the architect will align the company’s global identity with an authentic local sense of place, shaping elegant, sustainable, functional environments that support employees and the development of medicines.

The position drives quality and consistency in the design of global facilities. It oversees architectural scopes for building projects and interior fit-outs from design through realization, supports project teams with design reviews and quality control, and advises on corporate identity, signage, and site Master Plans. The role also works with engineering and other GCI scope areas to advance sustainable construction, decarbonization, and circularity, and translates business needs into project scopes aligned with global workplace and laboratory strategy.

The successful candidate will bring substantial international architectural project leadership experience, particularly in life sciences and research or laboratory design, along with conceptual design strength and knowledge of architectural theory and history. The role requires strong communication and relationship-building skills in a matrixed, multicultural environment, proficiency with BIM, CAD, and project software, and willingness to travel internationally up to 10%. Relocation is not available. The stated salary range for the California primary location is $138,800–$254,000 USD annually. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and company performance; the position also qualifies for benefits described at the provided link.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture.
• Deep understanding of architectural theory, history from Bauhaus to contemporary, and aesthetics, with strength in conceptual design.
• At least 10 years of international experience leading complex architectural projects, specifically in the life sciences sector, including research and laboratory design.
• Strong computer skills, including working knowledge of BIM, CAD, and project software.
• Experience with sustainable construction strategies.
• Ability to influence in a matrix organization and communicate across organizational levels and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to build lasting international relationships.
• Systematic thinking, openness to change, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 10%.

Responsibilities

• Ensure projects align with Our Spaces guidelines and Roche Corporate Identity by liaising with local architects and acting as a global brand ambassador.
• Oversee architectural scopes for building projects and global interior fit-outs from design through realization.
• Assess potential architectural and design consultants or contractors and seek endorsement from the Head of Corporate Architecture.
• Support project managers on design timelines and resources, and review phase deliverables for quality and alignment with guidelines.
• Provide direction on global signage, corporate identity adherence, and local guidance in accordance with site Master Plans.
• Partner with GCI scope areas and engineering organizations to advance sustainable construction, decarbonization, and circularity.
• Translate business needs into project scopes and challenge user requirements to align with global workplace and laboratory strategy governance.
• Communicate across organizations and cultures about the value of corporate architecture and Roche’s approach.

Benefits

• A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance.
• The position qualifies for benefits detailed at the link provided in the job posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior