Project Manager- Life Sciences

PROJECT MANAGER — LIFE SCIENCES

At 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 passionate about building something greater than just a project, and you want to be part of a team that takes pride in collaboration and continuous growth, come build your future the Executive Way.

Your Impact

As a Life Sciences Project Manager, you’ll oversee and coordinate construction projects from start to finish within life sciences environments — ensuring that schedules, specifications, and budgets are followed while serving as Executive Construction’s representative on the project team. You’ll be directly accountable for the delivery of complex, multi-disciplined facilities including wet labs, cleanrooms, vivarium, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotech R&D environments, serving as a subject matter expert on life sciences construction strategies.

Preconstruction

• 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

Estimating / Bidding

• Visit job site to become familiar with existing conditions, including any active lab or regulated environments
• Preparation of 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 our clients
• Support of developing master schedule
• Prepare detailed bid spreadsheets
• Assist with bid day activities

Proposal / Contracts

• 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

Purchasing

• 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

Job Management

• 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 our safety program with Safety Director and Superintendent
• Organize and implement timely project close-out

Life Sciences — Specialized Project Experience

You will lead projects focused on life sciences facility types including, but not limited to:

• 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
• Lab equipment procurement

Accounting

• 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

Business Development

• Enhance Executive Construction’s reputation with partners through performance
• Expand your 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

What You’ll Gain with Executive Construction

• A People-First Culture — where Performance, Resourcefulness, Integrity, Sensitivity, and Teamwork are the heart of everything we do
• Challenging, High-Impact Projects — work on highly specialized life sciences facilities including cleanrooms, vivarium, biopharma manufacturing, and biotech R&D, both locally and nationally
• Career Growth and Development — mentoring program, leadership training, and learning and development curriculum
• Competitive Compensation and Rewards — including robust salary packages, performance bonuses, and recognition programs
• Comprehensive Benefits — healthcare, 401K matching, voluntary benefits, various paid time off allowances including maternity and paternity leaves, Employee Assistance Program, and much more
• Work-Life Balance That Works — we believe great work starts with a healthy, balanced life
• A Legacy You’ll Be Proud Of — join a team where you’ll build life-long friendships and work that leaves a lasting impact on clients, communities, and your own career

What We’re Looking For

Required Skills & Abilities

• 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%

Education & Experience

• 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

Annual Pay Range: $100k-$140k

Our Values

Embrace the core values of Executive Construction throughout your daily interactions with internal and external customers.