Owner's Representative: GMP Biotech Construction Lead

Magnit Global; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Novartis is seeking an experienced Construction Manager to lead on-site activities for a major Red Cedar Expansion Project in Durham, NC. The role involves overseeing contractor work, maintaining project cost, schedule, and quality, and ensuring GMP compliance within an operating biomanufacturing facility.

The successful candidate will engage early in design through construction, drive constructability, manage commercial risk, and coordinate with engineering, validation, and operations to

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in construction management or project management on large-scale industrial, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences capital projects.
• Experience serving as an Owner's Representative on complex construction projects.
• Strong track record managing project cost, schedule, quality, contractor performance, and change management.
• Extensive knowledge of construction means and methods, project controls, contract administration, and field execution.
• Experience working within GMP-regulated pharmaceutical or biotechnology manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the on-site owner's representative, overseeing contractor-led construction activities and ensuring adherence to cost, schedule, quality, and safety.
• Participate in detailed design reviews to identify scope gaps, constructability concerns, and coordination issues.
• 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 improvements.
• Oversee field quality activities, ensuring GMP compliance and coordination with Quality, Validation, and Commissioning teams.
• Review design packages, bid documents, and construction scopes for completeness and clarity.
• Proactively manage change orders, claims, and commercial risks while protecting owner interests.
• Prepare executive-level reports on project status, risks, contractor performance, and savings opportunities.
• Foster collaboration among engineering, construction, commissioning, validation, and operations teams.

Skills

Construction Management

Owner's Representative

Cost & Schedule Management

GMP Experience

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Novartis is seeking an experienced Construction Manager to lead on-site activities for a major Red Cedar Expansion Project in Durham, NC. The role involves overseeing contractor work, maintaining project cost, schedule, and quality, and ensuring GMP compliance within an operating biomanufacturing facility.

The successful candidate will engage early in design through construction, drive constructability, manage commercial risk, and coordinate with engineering, validation, and operations to