Senior Project Manager- Life Science (Design and Construction)

Senior Project Manager

Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), which now includes Project Management Advisors (PMA), is seeking a Senior Project Manager to join our Life Sciences team in San Francisco. This is a hybrid role based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

An opportunity for an experienced project management professional who thrives in technically complex environments, enjoys leading multidisciplinary teams, and is passionate about delivering cutting-edge life sciences and mission-critical facilities that support innovation, research, and scientific advancement.

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 of laboratory, biotech, pharmaceutical, research, and mission-critical facilities across the country. We work closely with clients to deliver highly specialized environments that require advanced infrastructure, technical systems integration, and precise project execution.

As a Senior Project Manager, you will serve as a trusted advisor to clients and lead architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and internal project teams through all phases of planning, design, construction, and project activation. This role requires strong experience managing complex life sciences projects, with particular expertise in MEP systems coordination, integration, and delivery.

How You'll Contribute

• Serve as the primary liaison between clients and project teams throughout the full project lifecycle
• Lead planning, design, construction, and activation activities for life sciences, laboratory, and mission-critical projects
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and vendors
• Review project requirements and program objectives to ensure alignment with client goals and operational needs
• Develop, monitor, and maintain project budgets, schedules, and reporting tools
• Analyze budget and schedule impacts and provide recommendations to support project financial objectives
• Coordinate procurement of design, construction, and consultant services
• Support contract development, negotiation, review, and administration for design and construction agreements
• Manage conceptual planning, preconstruction activities, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation phases
• Oversee and review architectural, structural, MEP, and engineering drawings, specifications, and bid documents
• Facilitate project meetings, document action items, and drive accountability among stakeholders
• Engage with clients, city officials, architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and utility providers to communicate project status and proactively resolve issues
• Anticipate budget and schedule risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Lead value engineering discussions and review alternative solutions with project teams
• Coordinate peer reviews and specialty consultants as required for project success
• Direct and mentor Assistant Project Managers and other project team members
• Oversee construction activities to ensure compliance with project requirements, quality standards, and design intent
• Support contract issuance, purchase orders, and progress payment reviews
• Monitor construction progress and provide reporting on project status, risks, and field conditions
• Manage project closeout and transition activities through successful completion and occupancy
• Contribute to business development efforts through networking, proposal development, client presentations, and interview participation
• Promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and client service

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years of experience in the real estate design, development, or construction industry
• Experience supporting life sciences, laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and/or mission-critical projects
• Strong expertise in MEP systems coordination, integration, commissioning support, and project delivery
• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Real Estate, or a related field
• Experience serving as an Owner's Representative or Project Manager representing the interests of developers, owners, investors, or institutional clients
• Demonstrated leadership through master planning, budgeting, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and project activation phases
• Strong understanding of project controls, project management processes, construction documentation, and project sequencing
• Working knowledge of construction methodologies, value engineering practices, building codes, occupancy requirements, and lease considerations
• Demonstrated success managing multiple concurrent projects while consistently meeting client expectations, schedules, and budgets
• Strong relationship management skills with clients, consultants, contractors, and industry partners
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, and web-based project management platforms
• AutoCAD experience is a plus, but not required

What Sets You Apart

• You are a proactive leader who takes ownership of project outcomes
• You excel at building trusted relationships with clients and project stakeholders
• You bring strong emotional intelligence and communication skills to complex project environments
• You are highly organized and detail-oriented, particularly when managing technical project requirements
• You thrive in fast-paced environments and can effectively manage multiple priorities
• You approach challenges with curiosity, creativity, and a solutions-oriented mindset
• You demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment in all interactions
• You are passionate about delivering technically complex facilities that support innovation and scientific advancement
• You enjoy mentoring team members and contributing to the growth of the organization

Why People Choose B&D

Impactful Mission Be part of meaningful work that helps shape the places where people live, learn, heal, work, and connect.

Learning & Growth We invest in mentorship, leadership development, and continuous learning at every stage of your career.

Strong Culture Entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration, intellectual curiosity, integrity, and excellence drive how we work together.

Robust Benefits Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement benefits, professional development support, paid time off, and more.

Apply Today! To get started, our application process includes a resume, an optional (recommended) cover letter, and a short set of essential questions. We look forward to getting to know you!

This role's target base annual salary range is currently $130,000-180,000. Pay scales are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of several factors unique to each candidate, including, but not limited to, job-related skills, relevant education, experience, certifications, candidate abilities, and pay relative to other team members.

The company benefits listed above are a summary of the benefits. Specific details, availability, and eligibility requirements apply in accordance with company policies.

Brailsford & Dunlavey Inc. is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc. participates in E-Verify.