Senior Superintendent-Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical Construction

Columbia Construction Company•Cambridge, MA

3d•$165,000 - $210,000

About The Position

Columbia Construction is seeking an experienced Senior Superintendent to lead field operations for highly visible science and technology projects. The role is suited to a seasoned field leader experienced in complex, highly technical construction environments, including pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare, and advanced technology projects. The Senior Superintendent leads on-site construction from groundbreaking through closeout and is responsible for safety, quality, schedule, and subcontractor performance. The work may involve active campuses, sophisticated MEP systems, critical infrastructure, research environments, specialty equipment installations, and stringent client requirements. The position also involves collaboration with the Project Manager, clients, facility personnel, engineers, commissioning teams, trade partners, and Columbia's Safety Managers. The Senior Superintendent mentors developing field leaders and helps create a respectful, solution-focused jobsite consistent with The Columbia Way.

Requirements

15+ years of relevant commercial construction field experience, including at least 10 years in a Superintendent role.
Demonstrated success leading complex life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, mission-critical, or technology projects.
Strong understanding of complex building systems, including HVAC, electrical, controls, laboratories, clean rooms, specialty spaces, and critical infrastructure.
Understanding and implementation of Lean construction practices and collaborative planning methodologies.
Proficiency with construction technology, including scheduling software, VDC/BIM coordination tools, Lean construction software, safety management systems, Procore, and other field productivity technologies.
Deep knowledge of construction means and methods, building codes, and safety standards.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to lead large teams, coordinate multiple trades, and manage demanding schedules.
Ability to lead, mentor, and develop field personnel while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and performance.
Proficiency in scheduling software such as Primavera P6 or MS Project and construction management platforms; Procore preferred.
OSHA 30 certification required.
CSL required.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing projects valued at $30M or more.
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or a related field; preferred but not required.
ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) credentialing, STEP program participation, a Boston ABC License, or other recognized construction leadership and safety certifications.
Additional certifications related to safety, Lean construction, scheduling, or project delivery.

Responsibilities

Lead all on-site construction activities from groundbreaking through closeout.
Champion jobsite safety and ensure compliance with Columbia's Safety Program, client requirements, and OSHA regulations.
Partner with Safety Managers to identify risks, implement corrective actions, and promote safety excellence.
Develop and maintain site logistics plans, project schedules, and look-ahead plans.
Coordinate and manage subcontractors, vendors, and field personnel.
Mentor and develop Assistant Superintendents, Field Engineers, and emerging field leaders.
Support commissioning, turnover, and occupancy planning activities.
Work with the Project Manager to align field execution with budget, schedule, and design intent.
Conduct daily coordination meetings and weekly subcontractor meetings.
Monitor progress, perform quality control, and resolve field issues.
Maintain project documentation, including daily reports, photos, inspections, and field logs.
Serve as the primary liaison between Columbia, the client, and field operations.
Lead construction in active research, pharmaceutical, laboratory, healthcare, manufacturing, and mission-critical environments.
Coordinate construction scopes involving HVAC, electrical infrastructure, controls, clean utilities, specialty piping, automation, and technical equipment installations.
Collaborate with client stakeholders, facility personnel, engineers, commissioning teams, and trade partners.
Ensure adherence to project-specific quality standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
Foster a respectful, solution-focused jobsite aligned with The Columbia Way.