Project Executive - Life Sciences

W. G. Yates & Sons Construction Company • Raleigh, NC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Project Executive provides overall executive leadership for project acquisition, contract negotiations, client relations, budget management, and trade partner strategy across complex life science and specialized technical facilities. This role oversees managers and professionals across multiple departments, driving business growth and project execution excellence. The Project Executive serves as the direct executive point of contact for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research clients while leading compliance with Yates safety, quality, and cGMP/cleanroom standards. Operates with executive-level autonomy, leading strategic contract negotiations, project acquisitions, financial P&L oversight, and broad team resourcing decisions across large organizational divisions.

Requirements

• Minimum 15+ years of overall general construction experience
• 10+ years in construction management leadership including direct oversight of multiple medium-to-large life science, pharmaceutical manufacturing, cGMP, cleanroom, or complex lab projects ($100M+).
• Proficient in project control software including Primavera P6, MS Project, and Project Sight.
• Deep expertise in cGMP compliance, commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV) processes, EPC delivery models, and legal provisions affecting profitability.
• Demonstrates exceptional analytical problem-solving skills
• Proven negotiation capabilities
• Complete alignment with Yates core values.

Responsibilities

• Recruits, assembles, and builds high-performing project teams specializing in technical MEP/HVAC commissioning and validated environments.
• Supervises managers and multi-departmental staff, providing executive direction to exceed project goals.
• Generates leads across the life sciences and biotech sectors using industry contacts, leads specialized RFP/RFQ processes, and participates in executive-level contract negotiations.
• Works with pre-construction teams to align target value design, specialized equipment long-lead procurement, schedules, and baseline budgets, leading smooth turnover meetings between pre-construction and execution teams.
• Maintains full accountability for Accounts Receivable, Financial Forecasting, and P&L across life science portfolios.
• Regularly visits project sites to monitor performance, clean build protocols, and safety compliance.
• Serves as the primary executive point of contact for pharmaceutical clients, lab planners, and owners, building long-term relationships to secure repeat business.
• Champions company safety programs and leads project team implementation of Lean/Last Planner processes, modular pre-fabrication strategies, and baseline schedule development.

What This Job Offers

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