Senior Project Manager- Life Sciences

Executive Construction•Chicago, IL

20h•$130,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Executive Construction is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to join their rapidly growing Life Sciences practice. This role involves leading complex, highly regulated facility projects, such as wet labs, cleanrooms, vivarium, and biopharma manufacturing. The ideal candidate will thrive in technically demanding environments and be part of a collaborative team focused on continuous growth. As a Senior Project Manager, you will supervise and coordinate multiple complex projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the specified quality. You will serve as the senior representative for Executive Construction on project teams, with direct accountability for project delivery. Additionally, you may be asked to train, mentor, and coach Assistant Project Managers (APMs) and Project Managers (PMs), and will act 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
Thorough understanding of contracts, plans, specifications, and regulations — including life sciences regulatory frameworks (cGMP, GMP, 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 and lead multi-site portfolios
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex construction and real estate documents including agreements, leases, work letters, and project charters
Strong leadership, presentation, and negotiation skills; ability to motivate teams and drive decision-making across complex, multi-stakeholder environments
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
Ability to travel ~50%
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or similar program preferred AND minimum 7 years of construction management experience OR 10 years of construction industry experience
5+ years focused on life sciences, healthcare, or lab facilities

Nice To Haves

Experience with collaborative, integrated, and lean project delivery methods a plus
PMP and/or LEED AP certification preferred

Responsibilities

Lead project team through all preconstruction phases; manage preconstruction through contract execution
Develop and implement the master project schedule; take an active role in presentation efforts and responses for life sciences clients
Interface directly with clients to define project requirements, prepare scope of work, oversee cost estimating and budget preparation, and identify project risks
Serve as subject matter expert on design and construction strategies for architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building management systems specific to life sciences environments
Lead estimating through preconstruction deliverables from conceptual to GMP
Visit the site to familiarize yourself with conditions, including any active lab or regulated environments
Prepare Conceptual / Schematic / DD estimates and quantity takeoffs
Manage the distribution of drawings and specifications to subcontractors for bids
Know how to best leverage Executive Construction’s Self-Perform group (SPE) for our clients
Prepare bidder’s list of qualified subcontractors and General Conditions estimates; review with Project Team Lead
Prepare and issue accurate detailed bid spreadsheets; conduct subcontractor scope reviews to identify low bidder and potential project risks
Manage APMs and PMs to meet the scheduled issuance of deliverables to the client team
Oversee bid day activities
Lead all aspects of the proposal and bidding process; general understanding of contract type, language, and potential risk
Route client contracts to Project Team Lead and project principal for timely review and follow-up
Have knowledge of and enforce all terms of the general contract and subcontract agreements
Develop requests for proposals, negotiate terms and conditions, and manage contract development and award
Evaluate and administer contract documents to outside construction contractors, including approval of payment applications to the owner
Prepare and issue or review accurate detailed purchase orders and subcontract agreements; confirm all applicable scopes and general project requirements are accounted for
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
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
Implement change management routines to assess scope changes, secure client approvals, and evaluate impacts to budget, schedule, quality, and risk
Identify complex project risks, lead constructability reviews, and develop risk mitigation and contingency plans
Implement project documentation governance aligned with company and client requirements; ensure data integrity across all project records
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
Manage project payment schedules; prepare PA/CA forms in the CRM
Prepare and maintain all project financial reports (Major Project Monthly Reports, Labor & Material Tracking Log, PCO Log, Contingency & Allowance Log, Monthly Billings, Quarterlies, etc.)
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, business, and life sciences industry events and forums
Develop and maintain strong relationships with owners, managers, designers, supervisors, tradespersons, and craft workers
Gain new opportunities through operational excellence and network expansion within the life sciences and biotech community
Contribute to the growth of ECI’s Life Sciences practice through industry engagement and relationships with key decision-makers
Actively participate in Executive Construction’s training program
Act as mentor and coach for APMs and PMs; contribute to their development and acclimation to company procedures
Lead and supervise projects across life sciences facility types including, but not limited to: Biology, cell/gene therapy, and chemistry laboratories; Pharmaceutical and biopharma manufacturing facilities (cGMP/GMP environments); commissioning processes; 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.