Senior Project Manager- Life Sciences

Executive Construction•Chicago, IL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Executive Construction is seeking a Senior Project Manager for its Life Sciences practice, a specialized and fast-growing area of the business. The role involves delivering complex, highly regulated facilities such as wet labs, cleanrooms, vivarium, and biopharma manufacturing. The ideal candidate is an experienced leader who thrives in technically demanding environments and is committed to collaboration and continuous growth. This position offers the opportunity to build a legacy with a company that values bold vision, strong leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

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

Supervise and coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously within life sciences environments, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to specified quality.
Serve as Executive Construction’s senior representative on the project team.
Lead the delivery of complex, multi-disciplined facilities including wet labs, cleanrooms, vivarium, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotech R&D environments.
Train, mentor, and coach Assistant Project Managers (APMs) and Project Managers (PMs).
Serve as a subject matter expert on life sciences construction strategies.
Lead project teams through all preconstruction phases, managing 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.
Leverage Executive Construction’s Self-Perform group (SPE) for 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.
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 the safety program with the 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.