Senior Project Manager - Life Science Construction

Turnertownsend; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Turner & Townsend in San Diego is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead complex life sciences construction projects from inception through closeout. You will coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, manage budgets, schedules and client relationships to ensure on-time delivery.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering, 10+ years of PM experience, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and project controls tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or equivalent
• Minimum of 10 years of project management experience
• Strong organizational and management skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (and project controls tools)

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of complex life sciences capital projects.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design teams and stakeholders.
• Manage budgets, schedules and risks to ensure project objectives.
• Provide governance, reporting and change management.
• Oversee project closeout and handover to client.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Civil Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Primavera P6

Procore

Job description

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our Life Sciences team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully delivering complex construction projects within the life sciences sector, with strong experience managing multidisciplinary teams, project budgets, schedules and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of complex construction projects from inception through completion and closeout.
• Manage relationships with clients, architects, engineers, contractors and other key stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Develop, monitor and manage project schedules, budgets, milestones and deliverables, proactively identifying and mitigating risks to cost, schedule and quality.
• Establish and maintain effective project governance, reporting procedures and management systems in accordance with client and company requirements.
• Oversee multiple projects or workstreams simultaneously, ensuring compliance with approved designs, specifications and applicable standards.
• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams, ensuring design deliverables meet project objectives, technical requirements and agreed schedules.
• Coordinate contractors, consultants and suppliers, maintaining clear accountability for deliverables, actions and key decisions.
• Lead regular project meetings, facilitate effective communication and ensure timely resolution of outstanding issues.
• Review and challenge project schedules, cost reports, design submissions, contractor proposals and progress reports to ensure accuracy and alignment with project objectives.
• Provide technical and commercial oversight, including constructability reviews, value engineering, change management and cost control.
• Coordinate the timely review and resolution of RFIs, submittals and other construction-related queries.
• Work closely with client stakeholders and end users to understand operational requirements, particularly within technically complex life sciences environments.
• Oversee construction progress, commissioning, handover and project closeout to ensure compliance with project requirements and client expectations.
• Prepare and present clear, accurate project status reports, highlighting progress, key risks, decisions and actions required.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, providing proactive advice and identifying opportunities to support broader client objectives.
• Provide strategic guidance to project teams, supporting informed decision-making and successful project outcomes.
• Capture lessons learned and contribute to continuous improvement of project delivery processes and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with applicable company policies, financial controls and SOX requirements, where relevant.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role, which are to be adhered to where applicable.

Project specific responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of complex life sciences capital projects, including laboratory fit-outs, renovations, facility upgrades and new construction. Manage design development, procurement, construction, commissioning and closeout, with accountability for project budgets, schedules, risk, quality and stakeholder coordination. Work closely with client leadership, design consultants, contractors and end users to manage technical requirements, operational constraints and delivery within active facilities.

Market sector experience

• Demonstrated experience delivering projects within the life sciences sector, including R&D laboratories, biotechnology, pharmaceutical or similar technically complex facilities.
• Strong understanding of laboratory infrastructure, critical building systems, MEP coordination and the requirements associated with delivering projects in operational or regulated environments.
• Experience with GMP facilities is advantageous.

Project size in dollar value

• Proven experience independently managing capital construction projects valued at $10M-$50M+, with exposure to larger, complex capital programs preferred.

Software specific requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project and industry-standard project management platforms such as Procore, Autodesk Construction Cloud or equivalent.
• Familiarity with Primavera P6, cost management systems and project reporting tools preferred.

Certification requirements

• PMP, CCM or equivalent professional certification preferred.
• LEED AP or other relevant industry qualifications advantageous.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant project management experience.
• Strong organizational and management skills, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Ex