Senior Superintendent-Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical Construction

Columbia Construction Company; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Construction is seeking an experienced Senior Superintendent to lead field operations on highly visible science and technology projects in the Boston area. You will drive safety, quality, schedule, and subcontractor performance on active campuses with sophisticated MEP systems and regulated environments.

This leadership role requires deep understanding of pharma, biotech, healthcare, and advanced technology construction, plus mentoring of emerging field leaders and coordination with

Qualifications

• 15+ years of field experience in commercial construction, incl. 10+ years in a Superintendent role.
• Demonstrated success leading complex life sciences, pharma, biotech, healthcare, or tech projects.
• Experience managing projects valued at $30M+ preferred.
• Strong understanding of HVAC, electrical, controls, labs, clean rooms, and critical infra.
• Lean construction practices and collaborative planning experience.
• Proficiency with scheduling & field productivity tools (Procore, Primavera P6, MS Project).
• OSHA 30 certification required.
• CSL certification required.
• Bachelors in Construction Management or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all on-site construction activities from groundbreaking through closeout.
• Champion safety and OSHA compliance.
• Coordinate and manage subcontractors, vendors, and field personnel.
• Develop and maintain site logistics plans, schedules, and look-ahead plans.
• Mentor Assistant Superintendents and field engineers.
• Support commissioning, turnover, and occupancy planning.
• Collaborate with Project Manager to align field execution with budget and design intent.
• Maintain detailed project documentation and client liaison.

Skills

Field leadership

Project scheduling

Lean construction

Procore

Primavera P6

MS Project

VDC/BIM

OSHA 30

Safety management

Team mentoring

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

CSL certification

Tools

Procore

Primavera P6

MS Project

VDC/BIM tools

Job description

Description

About Columbia Construction

At Columbia Construction, we don't just build structures - we build relationships, trust, and legacies. For over 100 years, we've led the New England construction industry by delivering high-quality projects with integrity, teamwork, and innovation. Our success is rooted in what we call The Columbia Way - a commitment to accountability, collaboration, and doing the right thing every time.

Today, Columbia continues to expand its presence in some of the region's most sophisticated markets, including life sciences, healthcare, advanced technology, and research environments. We are proud to be regularly partnering with a world-renowned Fortune Global 500 pharmaceutical organization on a variety of complex projects that will help support scientific innovation and next-generation technologies.

Position Summary

Columbia Construction is seeking an experienced Senior Superintendent to lead field operations for highly visible science and technology projects. This opportunity is ideal for a seasoned field leader who thrives in complex, highly technical environments and understands the unique demands of pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare, and advanced technology construction.

As Senior Superintendent, you will serve as the boots-on-the-ground leader responsible for driving safety, quality, schedule, and subcontractor performance while successfully managing the challenges associated with active campuses, sophisticated MEP systems, critical infrastructure, research environments, specialty equipment installations, and stringent client requirements.

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in constructing cutting-edge facilities that support pharmaceutical innovation, research & development, robotics, advanced technology, and scientific breakthroughs that have the potential to improve lives around the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all on-site construction activities from groundbreaking through closeout.
• Champion jobsite safety and ensure compliance with Columbia's Safety Program, client requirements, and OSHA regulations.
• Partner closely with Columbia's Safety Managers to proactively identify risks, implement corrective actions, and reinforce a culture of safety excellence throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain site logistics plans, project schedules, and look-ahead plans.
• Coordinate and manage subcontractors, vendors, and field personnel with clarity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Mentor and develop Assistant Superintendents, Field Engineers, and emerging field leaders while helping build Columbia's next generation of construction professionals.
• Support commissioning, turnover, and occupancy planning activities.
• Work closely with the Project Manager to align field execution with budget, schedule, and design intent.
• Conduct daily coordination meetings and weekly subcontractor meetings.
• Monitor work progress, perform quality control, and resolve field issues in real time.
• Maintain detailed project documentation, including daily reports, photos, inspections, and field logs.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Columbia, the client, and all field operations.
• Lead construction activities within active research, pharmaceutical, laboratory, healthcare, manufacturing, and mission-critical environments.
• Coordinate complex construction scopes involving HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, controls systems, clean utilities, specialty piping, automation systems, and technical equipment installations.
• Collaborate with client stakeholders, facility personnel, engineers, commissioning teams, and trade partners to ensure seamless project execution.
• Ensure adherence to project-specific quality standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
• Foster a respectful, solution-focused jobsite environment aligned with The Columbia Way.

Requirements

• 15+ years of relevant field experience in commercial construction, with at least 10 years in a Superintendent role.
• Demonstrated success leading complex life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, mission-critical, or technology projects.
• Experience managing projects valued at $30M+ preferred.
• Strong understanding of complex building systems, including HVAC, electrical, controls, laboratories, clean rooms, specialty spaces, and critical infrastructure.
• Demonstrated understanding and implementation of Lean construction practices and collaborative planning methodologies.
• Strong proficiency with construction technology platforms, including scheduling software, VDC/BIM coordination tools, Lean construction software, safety management systems, Procore, and other field productivity technologies.
• Deep knowledge of construction means, methods, building codes, and safety standards.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to lead large teams, coordinate multiple trades, and manage demanding project schedules.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop field personnel while maintaining high expectations for safety, quality, and performance.
• Proficiency in scheduling software (Primavera P6, MS Project) and construction management platforms (Procore preferred).
• OSHA 30 certification required.
• CSL required.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field preferred (not required).

What Sets You Apart

• ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) credentialing, participation in STEP programs, a Boston ABC License, or other recognized construction leadership and safety certifications preferred.
• Additional industry certifications related to safety, Lean construction, scheduling, or project delivery are a plus.
• You don't just manage - you lead with integrity and bring teams together.
• You thrive in technically complex environments where planning, coordination, and execution are critical.
• You think two steps ahead and anticipate problems before they arise.
• You understand the unique quality and operational requirements associated with pharmaceutical and life sciences construction.
• You hold everyone, including yourself, to the highest standard of accountability and professionalism.
• You embody The Columbia Way by acting with humility, urgency, and purpose.
• You're energized by the opportunity to help build facilities that advance science, technology, healthcare, and innovation.

Columbia Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Columbia Construction is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. We evaluate compensation decisions on a case-by-case basis.