Project Manager- Life Sciences

Executive Construction•Chicago, IL

19h•$100,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Executive Construction, we’re not just building spaces—we’re building a legacy. From our roots as one of Chicagoland’s premier general contractors, our foundation has been shaped by bold vision, strong leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This legacy isn’t just part of our past—it’s the driving force that propels us forward, inspiring a new generation of builders and leaders. Our Life Sciences practice is one of the most specialized and fastest-growing areas of our business. We deliver complex, highly regulated facilities — from wet labs and cleanrooms to vivarium and biopharma manufacturing — for clients who depend on precision, compliance, and expertise at every phase of a project. If you’re passionate about building something greater than just a project, and you want to be part of a team that takes pride in collaboration and continuous growth, come build your future the Executive Way. As a Life Sciences Project Manager, you’ll oversee and coordinate construction projects from start to finish within life sciences environments — ensuring that schedules, specifications, and budgets are followed while serving as Executive Construction’s representative on the project team. You’ll be directly accountable for the delivery of complex, multi-disciplined facilities including wet labs, cleanrooms, vivarium, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotech R&D environments, serving as a subject matter expert on life sciences construction strategies.

Requirements

Proficiency in Project Management Software (e.g., Viewpoint, On-Screen, Bluebeam Revu, Building Connected, MS Project, or similar systems)
Proficiency in Microsoft 365 suite
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
General understanding of contracts
Thorough understanding of plans, specifications, and regulations — including life sciences regulatory frameworks (cGMP, GLP, FDA guidelines)
Ability to remain flexible and efficient in a fast-paced environment
Ability to make intelligent and quick decisions, working well under pressure and when faced with unexpected occurrences or delays
Ability to effectively analyze and solve problems
Ability to manage multiple projects across different phases simultaneously
Must be able to traverse and inspect all areas of jobsites, including active lab and regulated environments
Must be on-call to address issues at the jobsite, across multiple time zones
Ability to travel 30-50%
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or similar program preferred AND minimum two years of construction management experience OR Minimum of 5 years of construction industry experience
Minimum of two years prior experience working in life sciences, healthcare, or lab facilities environments highly preferred

Nice To Haves

Life sciences facility types including, but not limited to: Biology, cell/gene therapy, and chemistry laboratories; Vivarium and biocontainment facilities; Cleanroom design and construction; Medical imaging and diagnostic testing laboratories; Agricultural, food science, and academic research facilities; Public health and clinical lab environments; Biotech R&D facilities; Lab equipment procurement

Responsibilities

Assist in the development of the master project schedule and procurement of permits
Support presentation efforts and response for life sciences clients
Develop project scope, schedule, and budget from the ground up for complex life sciences facilities
Serve as subject matter expert on design and construction strategies for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building management systems specific to life sciences environments
Support and lead all estimating through preconstruction deliverables from conceptual to GMP
Visit job site to become familiar with existing conditions, including any active lab or regulated environments
Preparation of estimates and quantity takeoffs
Distribute drawings and specifications to subcontractors for bids
Understand how to best leverage Executive Construction’s Self-Perform group (SPE) for our clients
Support of developing master schedule
Prepare detailed bid spreadsheets
Assist with bid day activities
Complete the preparation of client proposals
Develop requests for proposals, negotiate terms and conditions, and manage contract development and award
Enforce all terms of the general contract and subcontract agreements
Evaluate and administer contract documents to outside construction contractors, including approval of payment applications to the owner
Prepare and issue detailed purchase orders and subcontract agreements
Confirm insurance coverage and contracts of all subcontractors before the sub starts work in the field
Qualify and identify long lead-time items — particularly critical systems such as HVAC, cleanroom components, and specialty lab equipment — and pre-purchase materials as required by schedule
Award projects and manage trade contracts to qualified contractors using good judgment and fairness
Manage all facets of the project schedule, ensuring accuracy of scope sheets
Initiate job start-up meetings, weekly progress meetings, and prepare job meeting minutes
Prepare, track, and maintain all budget reports and RFIs
Prepare, track, and negotiate contract change orders
Support Superintendents in all areas; visit the project site as required
Initiate and manage all quality control procedures for the project, with particular attention to regulatory and compliance requirements in life sciences environments
Lead all phases of the project including planning, scheduling, budgeting, design, construction, owner test fits, and regulatory interaction
Lead project teams through the decision-making process to deliver high-value, safe, responsive, sustainable, flexible, and robust facilities
Take initiative regarding risk management and contingency planning related to budget, scope, schedule, or regulatory compliance to prevent negative project impacts
Support our safety program with Safety Director and Superintendent
Organize and implement timely project close-out
Fill out PA/CA information in the CRM
Prepare and maintain all project financials (Quarterlies)
Manage cash flow for each project, including payment applications and subcontractor pay requests, ensuring payments are made in a timely manner
Enhance Executive Construction’s reputation with partners through performance
Expand your network by planning and attending appropriate social and business events, including life sciences and biotech industry forums
Develop and maintain good working relationships with a variety of people, including owners, managers, designers, supervisors, tradespersons, and craft workers
Serve as a mentor to project team members and help grow ECI’s life sciences practice