Project Manager- Life Science (Design and Construction)

Job Description

Job Description

Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), which now includes Project Management Advisors (PMA), is seeking a Project Manager to join our Life Sciences team in San Francisco.

This is a hybrid role based in San Francisco, CA.

The Opportunity

An opportunity for an experienced real estate and project management professional who enjoys leading projects, collaborating with clients and project teams, and delivering high-quality life sciences facilities from early planning through completion.

At Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), we lead the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen communities—where people live, learn, work, and innovate. B&D partners with institutions, municipalities, and organizations to deliver complex real estate and capital projects through strategic advisory and program management services across the full project lifecycle.

B&D recently joined forces with Project Management Advisors (PMA), bringing together two nationally recognized leaders in program management and real estate advisory services. Together, the combined firm offers expanded capabilities across industries and end-to-end project delivery—from early-stage strategy through design, construction, and occupancy.

Our Life Sciences team supports the development, leasing, and delivery of laboratory, research, and biotech facilities across the country. We work closely with owners, developers, tenants, brokers, and project teams to deliver technically complex environments that support innovation and scientific discovery.

As a Project Manager, you will lead smaller-scale life sciences projects while serving as a trusted advisor to clients and a key liaison between ownership, design teams, contractors, consultants, and project stakeholders. You will oversee project planning, procurement, budgets, schedules, documentation, and project delivery activities while ensuring alignment with client goals and project objectives.

How You'll Contribute

• Lead life sciences project management initiatives from early-stage planning through project completion, ensuring alignment with client goals, budgets, schedules, and quality expectations
• Establish strong partnerships with clients and serve as a key liaison between owners, architects, engineers, contractors, brokers, and consultants
• Review and evaluate project requirements, program goals, and design solutions to ensure alignment with owner objectives
• Initiate and manage procurement efforts for design, construction, and consultant services
• Draft, review, communicate, negotiate, and manage contractual documents for design, construction, and consultant professionals
• Develop, maintain, and monitor project budgets, schedules, and web-based project controls while identifying potential risks and opportunities
• Analyze budget and schedule impacts and provide recommendations to support project financial objectives
• Oversee the development and review of architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and bid documents
• Establish, lead, and document project meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment among stakeholders
• Provide regular project updates to clients, city officials, architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants while proactively identifying issues and solutions
• Anticipate potential changes to project budgets and schedules and provide recommendations to mitigate risks and maintain project objectives
• Coordinate value engineering exercises and evaluate alternatives with ownership teams
• Identify project requirements and facilitate procurement of peer reviews and specialty consultants as needed
• Direct and mentor Assistant Project Managers and other project team members when assigned
• Coordinate with architects and project teams to monitor contractor and vendor activities and verify compliance with design specifications, schedules, and quality standards
• Support contract administration activities, including contracts, purchase orders, and progress payment documentation
• Observe and report on construction progress, project risks, and construction-related issues
• Manage project closeout activities and ensure successful project completion
• Support PMA’s business development efforts by participating in networking opportunities, proposal development, and client interviews

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in project management, real estate development, construction, architecture, engineering, or related fields, with familiarity managing life sciences environments, including laboratory facilities, research spaces, GMP environments, clean rooms, or other specialized technical infrastructure preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, Urban Planning, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, procurement activities, and project controls
• Understanding of design and construction processes, including architectural drawings, engineering documents, bidding, and contract administration
• Experience coordinating and managing architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and other project stakeholders
• Ability to analyze project data, identify risks, and develop practical solutions to keep projects moving forward
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with clients and project teams
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail and organization

What Sets You Apart

• You are a confident project leader who can independently manage projects while building trusted client relationships
• You communicate clearly, professionally, and proactively with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams
• You have strong business judgment and the ability to anticipate challenges before they impact project goals
• You are highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage complex project information, budgets, and schedules
• You enjoy solving problems, developing solutions, and keeping projects moving forward in dynamic environments
• You are comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on project execution
• You demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all interactions
• You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy partnering with diverse stakeholder groups
• You are interested in the life sciences industry and the opportunity to support innovative spaces that advance scientific discovery