Design Project Manager - Life Sciences

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. About LJC The Role We Want You For Lead and manage multidisciplinary architectural and engineering design teams on life sciences projects of varying scale and complexity.Plan, track, and manage project scope, budget, schedule, and staffing to ensure successful delivery and profitability.Serve as the primary point of coordination between design teams, construction teams, and external consultants to support LJC/Clayco’s integrated design-build delivery.Lead multidisciplinary coordination reviews to ensure cohesive, well-integrated design solutions, while confirming discipline-level quality control processes are executed.Identify and proactively manage project risks, scope changes, and technical challenges throughout the design lifecycle.Oversee the development of designs from early planning and concept through detailed design and construction documentation.Ensure designs align with GMP, FDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements, engaging subject matter experts as needed.Review design deliverables, submittals, RFIs, and change documentation to maintain alignment with design intent and project objectives.Participate in site visits and coordination meetings to verify design intent is being executed and constructability concerns are addressed early.Serve as the primary design-side contact for assigned projects, maintaining clear, consistent, and proactive communication with clients.Lead design presentations, technical reviews, and project update meetings with clients and internal leadership.Build trusted client relationships through accountability, responsiveness, and technical credibility.Support front-end project efforts by contributing to proposal development, interviews, pursuit strategies, and early project definition.Mentor engineers and designers, supporting professional growth and development of future project leaders.Foster a collaborative, high-performance team environment aligned with Clayco’s culture and values.Contribute to the development and refinement of LJC’s design standards, tools, workflows, and best practices for life sciences projects. Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, or a related technical field.10+ years of experience in engineering or architectural design for GMP, FDA, or other regulated manufacturing environments.Prior experience as a design project manager or demonstrated leadership as a senior technical discipline lead on complex projects.Proven experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or life sciences facility design.Strong understanding of construction methods, process systems, and regulatory-driven design requirements.Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex coordination efforts.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with confidence presenting to clients and senior stakeholders.Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or similar design tools preferred.Ability to travel to project sites and client facilities as required.Resilient, adaptable, and motivated by fast-paced, complex project environments.