Project Director - BLS

WCL Group; Kankakee (IL); On-site; USD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

WCL Group in Kankakee, IL, seeks an experienced Project Director to lead a $1.2B+ immunoglobulin facility expansion on site. You will drive safety, schedule, and budget performance while coordinating with design, engineering, and subcontractors across a large cGMP project.

The role requires 10+ years of construction leadership, strong client management, and a proven track record in regulated biopharma environments. On-site 5 days a week with a focus on delivering quality CQV readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 10–15+ years of construction/project delivery leadership on large capital projects.
• Proven experience delivering complex cGMP facilities (biopharma/life sciences).
• Strong leadership, communication, and client relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior JV representative and align with JV leadership to deliver safely, on schedule, and within budget.
• Provide construction leadership from Basic Design to groundbreaking and execution.
• Drive a world-class safety culture and ensure EHS compliance on site.
• Manage client relationships and proactive communications with senior stakeholders.
• Oversee planning, sequencing, site logistics, CQV readiness, and commissioning in a cGMP facility.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree

10-15+ years experience

cGMP experience

Project leadership

On-site work

Job description

CLIENT HIGHLIGHTThe client you will be working for is a globally recognized leader in engineering, construction, and project delivery, specializing in high-tech facilities across industries such as semiconductors, life sciences, and data centers. This opportunity offers the chance to support talent acquisition efforts for complex, large-scale engineering and construction projects within a fast-paced, innovative environment.LOCATIONKankakee, ILCOMPENSATION$250,000+ SalarySCHEDULE• Work Schedule: Full-time, 5 days per week• Work Arrangement: 100% site-based in Kankakee, ILPOSITION OVERVIEW - Project Director - BLSWe are seeking an experienced Project Director to lead the delivery of a $1.2B+ Immunoglobulin facility expansion in Kankakee, IL. The project is currently in Basic Design, with groundbreaking planned for early next year. The ideal candidate brings strong construction leadership, a proven record of driving safe project delivery, and experience managing demanding customers in complex cGMP environments. This individual will serve as the senior representative within the project joint venture (JV), reporting to the JV Project Director, who holds overall responsibility for the project.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES• Serve as the senior representative within the JV, partnering closely with the JV Project Director and JV partner leadership to deliver the project safely, on schedule, and within budget.• Provide strong construction leadership through the transition from Basic Design to groundbreaking and full-scale execution.• Drive a world-class safety culture across all site activities, ensuring compliance with EHS standards and leading by example in the field.• Manage relationships with a demanding customer, maintaining clear, proactive communication and building trust at all levels of the client organization.• Oversee construction planning, sequencing, and site logistics for a large, complex cGMP biopharmaceutical facility.• Ensure quality, cGMP compliance, and commissioning, qualification, and validation (CQV) readiness are built into construction delivery.• Monitor project cost, schedule, and risk; identify issues early and lead mitigation and recovery strategies.• Lead, mentor, and develop clients project team members assigned to the JV, ensuring alignment with JV goals and client standards.• Coordinate with design, engineering, procurement, and subcontractor teams to support constructability and timely execution.• Manage change, claims, and contractual matters in alignment with JV agreements and customer contract requirements.• Provide regular project status reporting to the JV PD, client leadership, and customer stakeholders.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.• 10-15+ years of experience in construction and project delivery, including senior project leadership on large capital projects.• Demonstrated experience delivering complex projects in cGMP environments (biopharmaceutical, life sciences, or similar regulated facilities).• Proven record of driving safe project delivery and building a strong site safety culture.• Experience managing demanding customers and senior client stakeholders.• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills with the ability to influence across organizations.• Ability to work full-time on site in Kankakee, IL, 5 days per week.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS• Experience leading projects valued at $500M+, ideally $1B+.• Experience working within or leading in a joint venture (JV) project structure.• Background in plasma fractionation, Immunoglobulin, or other biologics manufacturing facilities.• Familiarity with CQV, cleanroom, and process utility systems.• PMP, OSHA 30, or similar professional certifications.OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS• Opportunity to work with a globally recognized leader in high-tech facility delivery.• Lead construction of a landmark $1.2B+ life sciences facility expansion.• Join early in Basic Design and see the project through groundbreaking and execution.• Senior leadership role representing client within a high-profile joint venture.