Location: Philadelphia, PA
Company: Orchestra Life Sciences | Full-Time | On-Site
Reports to: Vice President of Construction
About Orchestra Life Sciences
Orchestra Life Sciences is a portfolio-based biopharmaceutical and medical innovation company advancing transformative therapies for patients with high unmet medical needs, including rare diseases and pediatric cancer. Our teams work across disciplines to translate breakthrough science into real-world impact.
Position Summary
The Senior Construction Project Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle delivery of complex construction projects with a focus on life sciences, pharmaceutical, and tenant improvement work. This role requires a seasoned professional capable of managing multiple concurrent projects, leading cross-functional project teams, and serving as the primary client relationship owner from pre-construction through closeout. The Sr. PM operates with a high degree of autonomy and is expected to set the standard for project execution within the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery
- Lead all phases of project execution including pre-construction, procurement, construction, and closeout
- Develop and maintain project schedules using Oracle Primavera and MS Project; identify and mitigate schedule risks proactively
- Manage project budgets, cost reporting, and CAPEX forecasting with accuracy and consistency
- Oversee subcontractor procurement, scope development, contract administration, and performance management
- Coordinate with design teams, structural engineers, specialty consultants, and regulatory bodies including local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ)
- Manage submittal and RFI processes through Project Management Software; ensure timely responses and documentation
- Lead OAC meetings, prepare meeting minutes, and maintain clear project communication across all stakeholders
Life Sciences / Tenant Improvement Specific
- Manage projects within occupied or regulated environments, including GMP, BSL, and cleanroom-adjacent facilities
- Coordinate tenant improvement work within core and shell constraints, including landlord/tenant interface management
- Understand and manage requirements related to fire suppression, detection, HVAC, hazardous materials, and specialty systems common to life sciences facilities
- Support commissioning and validation activities as required by client programs
Team & Client Leadership
- Serve as primary point of contact for owner/client throughout project duration
- Mentor and develop junior project managers and project engineers
- Collaborate with company ownership and internal leadership on pursuit strategy, staffing, and project reporting
- Identify and escalate project risks, contract issues, and client concerns in a timely and professional manner
Contract & Risk Management
- Administer prime contracts and subcontracts; manage change order processes with discipline
- Understand and apply insurance program requirements including builders risk, OCIP/CCIP, and subcontractor default insurance (SDI)
- Ensure project compliance with contract documents, safety requirements, and applicable codes
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field
- 10+ years of construction project management experience, with a minimum of 5 years on life sciences, pharmaceutical, or technically complex TI projects
- Demonstrated experience managing projects from $10M to $100M+
- Proficiency in Oracle Primavera (P6 or Cloud), MS Project, Procore, and Bluebeam
- Strong understanding of construction contracts (AIA, ConsensusDocs), subcontract administration, and change management
- Experience coordinating with regulatory bodies and navigating permitting processes
Preferred
- PMP, CCM, or LEED certification
- Experience with GMP, BSL-2/BSL-3, or cleanroom construction environments
- Experience with owner-controlled or contractor-controlled insurance programs (OCIP/CCIP)
Key Competencies
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong written and verbal communication; comfortable presenting to ownership, clients, and executive stakeholders
- High attention to detail with a bias toward proactive problem solving
- Collaborative team leader who holds themselves and others accountable
- Operates with integrity and professionalism in all client and subcontractor relationships
Why Join Orchestra Life Sciences
- Opportunity to contribute to innovative therapies with meaningful patient impact
- Collaborative, mission-driven culture across multiple innovation hubs
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
- Professional growth and leadership development opportunities
EEO Statement
Orchestra Life Sciences, LLC herein Orchestra, provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Orchestra complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Orchestra Life Sciences expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Orchestra’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.
Equal Opportunity Employer