Senior Project Manager — Life SciencesAt 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 an experienced leader who thrives in technically demanding environments and wants to be part of a team that takes pride in collaboration and continuous growth, come build your future the Executive Way.Your ImpactAs a Life Sciences Senior Project Manager, you'll supervise and coordinate multiple complex projects simultaneously within life sciences environments—ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the quality specified, while serving as Executive Construction's senior representative on the project team. You'll have direct accountability for leading the delivery of complex, multi-disciplined facilities including wet labs, cleanrooms, vivarium, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotech R&D environments, and may be asked to train, mentor, and coach Assistant Project Managers (APMs) and Project Managers (PMs). You'll serve as a subject matter expert on life sciences construction strategies.PreconstructionLead project team through all preconstruction phases; manage preconstruction through contract executionDevelop and implement the master project schedule; take an active role in presentation efforts and responses for life sciences clientsInterface directly with clients to define project requirements, prepare scope of work, oversee cost estimating and budget preparation, and identify project risksServe as subject matter expert on design and construction strategies for architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building management systems specific to life sciences environmentsLead estimating through preconstruction deliverables from conceptual to GMPEstimating / BiddingVisit the site to familiarize yourself with conditions, including any active lab or regulated environmentsPrepare Conceptual / Schematic / DD estimates and quantity takeoffsManage the distribution of drawings and specifications to subcontractors for bidsKnow how to best leverage Executive Construction's Self-Perform group (SPE) for our clientsPrepare and issue accurate detailed bid spreadsheets; conduct subcontractor scope reviews to identify low bidder and potential project risksManage APMs and PMs to meet the scheduled issuance of deliverables to the client teamOversee bid day activitiesProposal / ContractsLead all aspects of the proposal and bidding process; general understanding of contract type, language, and potential riskRoute client contracts to Project Team Lead and project principal for timely review and follow-upHave knowledge of and enforce all terms of the general contract and subcontract agreementsDevelop requests for proposals, negotiate terms and conditions, and manage contract development and awardEvaluate and administer contract documents to outside construction contractors, including approval of payment applications to the ownerPurchasingPrepare and issue or review accurate detailed purchase orders and subcontract agreements; confirm all applicable scopes and general project requirements are accounted forConfirm insurance coverage and contracts of all subcontractors before the sub starts work in the fieldQualify 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 scheduleAward projects and manage trade contracts to qualified contractors using good judgment and fairnessJob ManagementManage all facets of the project scheduleInitiate job start-up meetings / weekly progress meetings and prepare job meeting minutesPrepare, track, and maintain all budget reports and RFIsPrepare, track, and negotiate contract change ordersSupport Superintendents in all areas; visit the project site as requiredImplement change management routines to assess scope changes, secure client approvals, and evaluate impacts to budget, schedule, quality, and riskIdentify complex project risks, lead constructability reviews, and develop risk mitigation and contingency plansImplement project documentation governance aligned with company and client requirements; ensure data integrity across all project recordsInitiate and manage all quality control procedures for the project, with particular attention to regulatory and compliance requirements in life sciences environmentsLead all phases of the project including planning, scheduling, budgeting, design, construction, owner test fits, and regulatory interactionLead project teams through the decision-making process to deliver high-value, safe, responsive, sustainable, flexible, and robust facilitiesTake initiative regarding risk management and contingency planning related to budget, scope, schedule, or regulatory compliance to prevent negative project impactsSupport our safety program with Safety Director and SuperintendentOrganize and implement timely project close-outAccountingManage project payment schedules; prepare PA/CA forms in the CRMPrepare 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 mannerBusiness DevelopmentEnhance Executive Construction's reputation with partners through performanceExpand your network by planning and attending appropriate social, business, and life sciences industry events and forumsDevelop and maintain strong relationships with owners, managers, designers, supervisors, tradespersons, and craft workersGain new opportunities through operational excellence and network expansion within the life sciences and biotech communityContribute to the growth of ECI's Life Sciences practice through industry engagement and relationships with key decision-makersTrainingActively participate in Executive Construction's training programAct as mentor and coach for APMs and PMs; contribute to their development and acclimation to company proceduresLife Sciences — Specialized Project ExperienceYou'll lead and supervise projects across life sciences facility types including, but not limited to:Biology, cell/gene therapy, and chemistry laboratoriesPharmaceutical and biopharma manufacturing facilities (cGMP/GMP environments); commissioning processesVivarium and biocontainment facilitiesCleanroom design and constructionMedical imaging and diagnostic testing laboratoriesAgricultural, food science, and academic research facilitiesPublic health and clinical lab environmentsBiotech R&D facilitiesWhat You'll Gain with Executive ConstructionA People-First Culture—where Performance, Resourcefulness, Integrity, Sensitivity, and Teamwork are the heart of everything we doChallenging, High-Impact Projects—lead complex life sciences facilities including cGMP manufacturing, cleanrooms, vivarium, and biotech R&D, locally and nationally, while mentoring the next generation of ECI leadersCareer Growth and Development—mentoring program, leadership training, and learning and development curriculumCompetitive Compensation and Rewards—including robust salary packages, performance bonuses, and recognition programsComprehensive Benefits—healthcare, 401K matching, voluntary benefits, various paid time off allowances including maternity and paternity leaves, Employee Assistance Program, and much moreWork-Life Balance That Works—we believe great work starts with a healthy, balanced life