Senior Project Executive - Life Sciences
A leading, nationally recognised general contractor is seeking a Senior Project Executive - Life Sciences to take ownership of a large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. This individual will lead the project team, driving overall strategy, execution, and financial performance from inception through completion.
This role will initially be based on-site just outside Chicago, with the opportunity to support future life sciences projects across the United States.
The Opportunity
This organisation is a highly reputable, top-tier construction management firm with a long-standing track record delivering complex projects across sectors including healthcare, life sciences, commercial, education, and large-scale infrastructure.
They are known for a strong culture centred around collaboration, safety, and delivering high-quality projects on time. Employees benefit from working on high-profile projects while developing both technical and leadership capabilities within a supportive environment.
The business is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from candidates with a range of experiences.
About You
You are an experienced leader who brings an inclusive, team-first approach. You know how to motivate, develop, and guide high-performing teams while maintaining accountability across delivery.
You are comfortable setting direction, prioritising workloads, and communicating effectively with stakeholders at all levels. You take ownership of results and continuously look for opportunities to improve performance and outcomes.
You are commercially aware, with an understanding of market trends, project risks, and client expectations, allowing you to make informed decisions and drive competitive advantage.
Key Responsibilities
- Take full accountability for jobsite safety, ensuring best-in-class standards are maintained
- Lead overall project delivery, ensuring all contractual obligations are met
- Oversee financial performance, including forecasting, billing accuracy, risk mitigation, and claims management
- Ensure quality standards are achieved through the development and execution of project-specific quality plans
- Drive project closeout strategy in line with contractual requirements
- Lead, mentor, and motivate project teams while maintaining a positive and collaborative working culture
- Oversee project staff including superintendents, engineers, and project controls, ensuring clear priorities and alignment
- Manage subcontracting strategy and oversee the integrity of the procurement/buyout process
- Lead contract negotiations and ensure appropriate risk management strategies are implemented
- Ensure compliance with insurance, bonding, and contractual requirements
- Oversee preconstruction and design phases on GMP and design-build projects
- Manage project schedules and proactively identify and mitigate potential delays or risks
- Build and maintain strong industry relationships to support business development efforts
- Partner with business development teams to support client engagement and project pursuit strategies
- Contribute to team development, coaching, and long-term career progression
- Promote an inclusive and high-performance team environment
Candidate Requirements
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
- 12-18 years of construction experience
- Proven experience delivering pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing projects
- Equivalent combinations of experience and education will be considered
Skills & Attributes:
- Strong technical construction knowledge
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Ability to operate effectively within a team-oriented environment
- Strong organisational and decision-making capabilities
- Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Microsoft Office
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join a well-established contractor delivering some of the most complex and technically challenging life sciences projects in the market. You'll play a key leadership role with clear impact on project success, while continuing to develop your career within a high-performing organisation.
FAQs
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