Senior Project Manager - Design Engineering + Construction

Our client is a globally recognized firm specializing in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), renowned for delivering innovative solutions tailored for some of the most technically complex and highly regulated facilities in the world. The company works closely with leading organizations in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food and beverage, and advanced manufacturing industries. These collaborations enable the design and delivery of facilities that not only improve lives and foster innovation but also uphold operational excellence. The firm’s integrated approach combines engineering expertise, process knowledge, and project delivery excellence to create manufacturing environments that are safe, sustainable, and efficient. Their unique capability to blend design engineering with construction management ensures high standards of quality and compliance are met throughout every phase of project execution.

The Senior Project Manager position is based in Emeryville, CA, and offers a competitive salary range from $130,000 to $200,000 per year depending on experience. This role is a critical leadership opportunity suited for individuals with extensive experience in design engineering and construction firms, as this is not an IT project management position. The Senior Project Manager will lead complex capital projects from concept through handover, primarily within life sciences, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors. The role requires combining skills in design engineering oversight and construction management with strong client relationship management to ensure projects are safe, compliant, delivered on time, and within budget.

In this role, the Senior Project Manager will take full ownership of end-to-end project delivery. This includes planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project closeout responsibilities. The position involves coordinating design activities across core engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, industrial, and chemical engineering, while integrating efforts with architecture, process engineering, and validation teams. On-site construction management is a key component, with responsibilities including supervising contractors, enforcing quality and safety standards, resolving construction-related issues, and maintaining transparent and thorough progress reporting.

Additionally, the Senior Project Manager will maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, managing communications to provide regular status updates and ensuring client requirements are comprehensively addressed. The role also involves negotiating project scope and commercial terms to keep project objectives aligned with stakeholder expectations. Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks and addressing technical complexities are essential duties to minimize impacts on schedule and cost.

Another crucial part of this role is ensuring compliance with regulatory and industry standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA/EMA expectations, and local building and safety codes. Supporting commissioning and validation activities as projects advance towards completion further highlights the technical depth expected from this leadership role.

The Senior Project Manager will mentor and guide multidisciplinary project teams, consultants, and subcontractors, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing across multiple projects. They will also oversee procurement strategies and vendor management processes to ensure timely acquisition of equipment, materials, and services that meet the technical and schedule requirements of each project. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential as the role involves preparation and presentation of executive summaries, forecasts, and technical reports for senior management and other key stakeholders.

This position requires willingness to travel to project sites as necessary and the ability to obtain required site security clearances. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for a non-immigrant visa. Our client values diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunities without discrimination. The hiring process includes AI-driven keyword screening and virtual recruiters, with a human recruiter reviewing all results. The company also supports reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the application and employment process.