Project Executive (Life Science)

Employment Type: Full-Time

FSLA: Salary/Exempt

Division: Project Management

Department: Project Management

Reports to: Regional Director

Supervisory Duties: Yes

Salary Range: $200,000 to $265,000

Job Description

As the Project Executive (Life Science), you will play a critical leadership role in both business development and project delivery within the Life Science sector. You will partner closely with local Business Developers and other internal stakeholders to establish relationships with Life Sciences clients, identify project opportunities, develop winning proposals, and lead successful interviews. The ultimate objective is to build and sustain a profitable, long-term Life Sciences business stream.

For project execution, you will provide strategic oversight and direction across all phases—from preconstruction to close-out. This includes managing Project Managers, Engineers, and Project Administrators, setting operational priorities, maintaining strong client and partner relationships, and driving financial and operational success. The PX is also accountable for project safety, quality, and for resolving critical issues as they arise. Additionally, you will help shape departmental best practices, reporting standards, and operating procedures.

Responsibilities / Essential Functions

• Leverage industry relationships to generate leads and pursue new Life Sciences opportunities.
• Lead the work acquisition process: define profit strategies, coordinate with internal departments, oversee proposal development, and manage interview preparation.
• Shape RFP pursuit strategies by identifying project approach, risks, estimates, staffing needs, schedules, and logistics.
• Assign and oversee qualified staff to manage complex project scopes.
• Lead preconstruction efforts in collaboration with estimating and logistics teams, ensuring budgets, schedules, constructability, and risk mitigation strategies are fully developed.
• Provide comprehensive oversight from preconstruction through project close-out, ensuring consistency and continuity.
• Develop and implement customer satisfaction plans to maintain high client satisfaction.
• Identify project challenges early and recommend solutions to ensure timely, profitable outcomes.
• Negotiate owner contracts and oversee subcontractor agreements.
• Provide senior-level supervision across multiple projects to ensure targets and objectives are met.
• Lead regular client meetings and visit job sites to monitor progress on cost, schedule, quality, safety, and overall performance.
• Foster ongoing client engagement throughout project lifecycles to ensure alignment and satisfaction.
• Build strong relationships with owners, procurement groups, owner's representatives, consultants, government authorities, and subcontractors.
• Mentor and develop staff through coaching, formal evaluations (conducted bi-annually), and professional development planning.
• Ensure compliance with corporate SOPs and promote continual staff training.
• Support recruitment efforts through screening, interviewing, and selecting new hires.
• Actively participate in project safety, including conducting regular safety walks and documentation.

Key Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts simply and clearly
• Self-driven, proactive, and strategic thinker with a strong sense of initiative
• Outstanding problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated leadership in managing teams and delivering complex projects successfully
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal and client relationship-building skills

Required Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field required
• Master's Degree preferred
• Minimum 15 years of experience in a senior leadership role within a CM or CM-at-Risk environment
• Proven experience managing multiple large-scale projects and cross-functional teams
• Proficiency in cost reporting and financial controls
• Solid understanding and regular use of Microsoft Office Suite
• Basic understanding of scheduling software, logic, and principles