Senior Project Executive - Life Sciences Construction
Overview
An established, nationally recognized top-tier construction firm is seeking a Senior Project Executive - Life Sciences to lead the delivery of a large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. This individual will provide strategic oversight to the project team, ensuring successful execution across safety, schedule, quality, and financial performance.
This role will initially be based on a project site just outside of Chicago, with the opportunity to support future life sciences projects across the continental United States.
The Opportunity
This organization is a long-standing, highly reputable construction management firm with a strong national footprint and a diverse portfolio that includes healthcare, life sciences, education, corporate, and large-scale commercial projects. They are known for delivering complex projects safely, on time, and with a strong emphasis on collaboration and long-term relationships.
The team environment emphasizes professional development, leadership growth, and continuous learning, offering structured training programs and exposure to high-profile, technically challenging projects.
What They're Looking For
This team is seeking a senior-level leader who brings a strong technical foundation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to lead large, high-performing teams in complex environments.
You are someone who:
- Leads with an inclusive, team-first mindset and mentors others to grow and succeed
- Effectively prioritizes, delegates, and communicates across multiple stakeholders
- Drives accountability while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
- Understands market conditions, industry trends, and project economics to inform critical decisions
- Takes a strategic, forward-thinking approach to risk management and long-term project success
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and accountability for project safety, execution, and financial outcomes
- Ensure compliance with contract requirements, including forecasting, billing, and risk mitigation
- Oversee development and execution of project-specific quality and closeout plans
- Lead and motivate project teams, including project managers, superintendents, and engineers
- Manage relationships with ownership groups, subcontractors, and trade partners
- Direct subcontracting strategy and oversee the integrity of the buyout process
- Lead contract negotiations and implement comprehensive risk mitigation strategies
- Oversee design-phase efforts for GMP and design-build projects, including GMP/lump sum development
- Manage project scheduling strategy and mitigate risks impacting timelines
- Collaborate with business development teams to support growth strategies, client relationships, and pipeline development
- Drive team development, coaching, and long-term career progression of staff
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
- 12-18 years of commercial construction experience
- Prior experience delivering pharmaceutical or life sciences manufacturing facilities is required
Skills & Capabilities
- Strong technical acumen and communication skills
- Proven leadership and team management ability
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Proficiency with industry-standard tools, including Microsoft Office
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with resume and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.