Project Manager- Life Sciences

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 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 ImpactAs 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.PreconstructionAssist in the development of the master project schedule and procurement of permitsSupport presentation efforts and response for life sciences clientsDevelop project scope, schedule, and budget from the ground up for complex life sciences facilitiesServe as subject matter expert on design and construction strategies for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building management systems specific to life sciences environmentsSupport and lead all estimating through preconstruction deliverables from conceptual to GMPEstimating / BiddingVisit job site to become familiar with existing conditions, including any active lab or regulated environmentsPreparation of estimates and quantity takeoffsDistribute drawings and specifications to subcontractors for bidsUnderstand how to best leverage Executive Construction's Self-Perform group (SPE) for our clientsSupport of developing master schedulePrepare detailed bid spreadsheetsAssist with bid day activitiesProposal / ContractsComplete the preparation of client proposalsDevelop requests for proposals, negotiate terms and conditions, and manage contract development and awardEnforce all terms of the general contract and subcontract agreementsEvaluate and administer contract documents to outside construction contractors, including approval of payment applications to the ownerPurchasingPrepare and issue detailed purchase orders and subcontract agreementsConfirm 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 schedule, ensuring accuracy of scope sheetsInitiate 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 requiredInitiate 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-outLife Sciences — Specialized Project ExperienceYou will lead projects focused on life sciences facility types including, but not limited to:Biology, cell/gene therapy, and chemistry laboratoriesVivarium and biocontainment facilitiesCleanroom design and constructionMedical imaging and diagnostic testing laboratoriesAgricultural, food science, and academic research facilitiesPublic health and clinical lab environmentsBiotech R&D facilitiesLab equipment procurementAccountingFill out PA/CA information in the CRMPrepare 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 mannerBusiness DevelopmentEnhance Executive Construction's reputation with partners through performanceExpand your network by planning and attending appropriate social and business events, including life sciences and biotech industry forumsDevelop and maintain good working relationships with a variety of people, including owners, managers, designers, supervisors, tradespersons, and craft workersServe as a mentor to project team members and help grow ECI's life sciences practiceWhat 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—work on highly specialized life sciences facilities including cleanrooms, vivarium, biopharma manufacturing, and biotech R&D, both locally and nationallyCareer 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 lifeA 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 careerWhat We're Looking ForRequired Skills & AbilitiesProficiency in Project Management Software (e.g., Viewpoint, On-Screen, Bluebeam Revu, Building Connected, MS Project, or similar systems)Proficiency in Microsoft 365 suiteExcellent verbal and written communication skillsGeneral understanding of contractsThorough 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 environmentAbility to make intelligent and quick decisions, working well under pressure and when faced with unexpected occurrences or delaysAbility to effectively analyze and solve problemsAbility to manage multiple projects across different phases simultaneouslyMust be able to traverse and inspect all areas of jobsites, including active lab and regulated environmentsMust be on-call to address issues at the jobsite, across multiple time zonesAbility to travel 30-50%Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or similar program preferred AND minimum two years of construction management experience ORMinimum of