Construction Project Manager (Mechanical)

Abbott•Libertyville, IL

26d•Onsite

About The Position

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. JOB DESCRIPTION: Grade 20 – Construction Project Manager (Mechanical) Job Title: Construction Project Manager (Mechanical) Grade Level: 20 Location: Abbott Park, IL Reports To: Director, GES Technical Center of Excellence Position Summary: The Construction Project Manager (Mechanical) is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing Abbott’s most critical and complex design and construction initiatives for GMP manufacturing and commercial facilities across all Abbott business units. This role sets the vision for design and construction excellence, drives innovation, and ensures alignment with global business objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering; Master’s degree preferred.
15+ years of experience in design and construction of facilities, utilities and infrastructure, with extensive leadership in FDA/ISO regulated environments.
Recognized expert in mechanical engineering and construction management, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning.
Conceptual estimating skills for strategic cost planning and portfolio-level budgeting.
Field construction experience in leading large-scale execution and resolving complex challenges, with advanced technical knowledge in mechanical systems.
Willingness to travel 50–75% within the United States.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Nice To Haves

Registrations: Licensed Professional Engineer preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic oversight and leadership for global GMP design and construction programs.
Define and implement design and construction standards, policies, and governance frameworks.
Lead cross-functional teams and influence senior stakeholders across the organization.
Drive innovation in design and construction technologies and methodologies.
Represent Abbott in industry forums and regulatory engagements.
Develop long-term capital planning strategies and support portfolio management.
Ensure alignment with sustainability, safety, and compliance goals.
Shape Abbott’s global design and construction strategy, aligning with enterprise-wide capital investment goals.
Lead governance reviews and ensure compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
Experience and ability to plan and execute projects over $50MM
Influence capital allocation decisions through scenario planning and risk-based analysis.
Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on design and construction-related matters.
Strong experience and understanding of selecting and managing architectural/engineering firms.
Strong experience and understanding of managing and procuring design and construction services.
Strong understanding of the project lifecycle including planning, design execution, procurement, construction, commissioning, and turnover.
Serves as Subject Matter Expert (SME) in design reviews
Evaluates existing facilities/systems for deficiencies, and new designs for compliance, with respect to all applicable code requirements, regulations, and Abbott Engineering Standards (AES).
Advocate for Abbott’s interests and oversee General Contractor (GC) and Construction Manager (CM) performance.
Observe site activities and verify alignment with owner’s goals.
Monitor safety compliance and escalate concerns.
Independently verify quality and coordinate third-party inspections.
Validate schedule progress and flag risks to milestones.
Ensure resources are used efficiently and per contract.
Review and approve/reject changes based on impact to owner.
Validate pay applications and monitor budget and contingency usage.
Escalate issues and facilitate resolution between parties.
Provide Abbott program updates and translate technical issues.
Verify regulatory compliance and support inspections.
Coordinate turnover, validate readiness, and ensure documentation.
Review Bill of Materials (BOM) for completeness and alignment with owner’s scope.
Review bid packages for clarity, risk, and owner alignment.
Participate in bid reviews, ensure transparency, and recommend selection.
Approve awards based on owner’s criteria and budget.
Verify Purchase Order (PO) issuance, delivery timelines, and budget compliance.