Construction Manager – GMP Biopharma Owner's Rep (Durham)

Novartis AG; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 103,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Novartis is seeking an experienced Construction Manager for the Red Cedar Expansion Project in Durham, NC. You will act as the on-site owner’s representative, guiding contractor activities, managing cost and schedule, and ensuring GMP compliance within a live biomanufacturing facility.

The role requires 15+ years in construction/PM on industrial or life-sciences projects, a strong leadership presence, and excellent negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of Construction/PM experience on large-scale industrial, pharma, biotech, or life sciences capital projects.
• High School Diploma required; additional engineering/construction management education preferred.
• Experience as Owner's Representative on complex construction projects.
• Experience managing cost, schedule, quality, contractor performance, and change management.
• Experience in GMP-regulated pharmaceutical/biotech environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as on-site owner's representative, overseeing contractor construction activities and ensuring cost, schedule, quality, and safety objectives.
• Participate in detailed design reviews to identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and changes.
• Monitor baseline and look-ahead schedules, identify delays, and drive recovery plans to meet milestones.
• Optimize construction execution strategies including sequencing, logistics, trade coordination, and productivity.
• Oversee field quality activities, ensuring GMP compliance and coordination with Quality, Validation, and Commissioning teams.
• Review design packages, bid documents, and work scopes for clarity and constructability.
• Proactively manage change orders, claims, and commercial risks while protecting owner interests.
• Prepare concise executive reports on project status, risks, and savings opportunities.

Skills

Construction Management

Owner's Representative

Project Controls

Contract Administration

GMP Knowledge

Leadership

Negotiation

Problem-Solving

Education

High School Diploma

Engineering/Construction Management education preferred

Job description

Novartis is seeking an experienced Construction Manager for the Red Cedar Expansion Project in Durham, NC. You will act as the on-site owner’s representative, guiding contractor activities, managing cost and schedule, and ensuring GMP compliance within a live biomanufacturing facility.

The role requires 15+ years in construction/PM on industrial or life-sciences projects, a strong leadership presence, and excellent negotiation skills.