Senior Design Program Director – Life Sciences

IPS - Integrated Project Services, LLC; Emeryville (CA); On-site; USD 235,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

IPS - Integrated Project Services, LLC in Emeryville, CA, is seeking a Design Project Director to provide senior leadership on complex life sciences facilities, overseeing programs, profitability, safety, and client relationships.

You will mentor project managers and engineers, coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, manage budgets and schedules, and advance quality and compliance across all stages. The role includes travel 5–20% to client sites as required.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in engineering, project management, or equivalent
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff of professionals
• Analytical thinking with strong communication and team-building skills
• Must be licensed and stamped/signed drawings per applicable law

Responsibilities

• Directs programs and multiple projects; leads teams to meet corporate, safety, and project goals.
• Manages resources, scheduling, budgeting, and execution plans to ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Reviews contracts and monitors scope, cost, and schedule performance; oversees change management and risk mitigation.
• Guides the development of key deliverables, design content, and ensures quality, compliance, and constructability.
• Mentors project managers and engineers to build strong leadership and technical capabilities.
• Facilitates positive client relationships and oversees communication between stakeholders.
• Coordinates subcontractor and vendor activities, including contract negotiations and invoice evaluations.
• Partners with finance to manage budgets, forecasts, and receivables; ensures accurate cost reporting.
• Upholds legal, regulatory, and quality standards across all design activities and disciplines.
• Supports business development through proposals, presentations, and marketing efforts.
• Maintains professional competency and industry relationships; assists in talent evaluation and development.
• Travel: 5-20% travel or as required by the assigned project.

Skills

Leadership

Program management

Client management

Budgeting

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience

Professional registration

Job description

IPS - Integrated Project Services, LLC in Emeryville, CA, is seeking a Design Project Director to provide senior leadership on complex life sciences facilities, overseeing programs, profitability, safety, and client relationships.

You will mentor project managers and engineers, coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, manage budgets and schedules, and advance quality and compliance across all stages. The role includes travel 5–20% to client sites as required.