Project Manager- Life Sciences

Executive Construction•Chicago, IL

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Executive Construction is seeking a Project Manager for its Life Sciences practice, a specialized and fast-growing area of the business. The company focuses on delivering complex, highly regulated facilities such as wet labs, cleanrooms, vivarium, and biopharma manufacturing. The Project Manager will oversee and coordinate construction projects from start to finish within life sciences environments, ensuring adherence to schedules, specifications, and budgets. This role requires serving as the company's representative and a subject matter expert on life sciences construction strategies, delivering multi-disciplined facilities including wet labs, cleanrooms, vivarium, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotech R&D environments.

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

Experience working in life sciences, healthcare, or lab facilities environments

Responsibilities

Oversee and coordinate construction projects from start to finish within life sciences environments.
Ensure schedules, specifications, and budgets are followed.
Serve as Executive Construction’s representative on the project team.
Be directly accountable for the delivery of complex, multi-disciplined facilities including wet labs, cleanrooms, vivarium, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotech R&D environments.
Serve as a subject matter expert on life sciences construction strategies.
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.
Prepare 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 clients.
Support the development of the 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 the safety program with the Safety Director and Superintendent.
Organize and implement timely project close-out.
Lead projects focused on life sciences facility types including 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.
Procure lab equipment.
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 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.