Senior Project Manager- Life Science; Design and Construction

Senior Project Manager
- Life Science (Design and Construction)

Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), which now includes Project Management Advisors (PMA), is seeking a Senior Project Manager to join our Life Sciences team in San Francisco. This is a hybrid role based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

An experienced project management professional who thrives in technically complex environments, enjoys leading multidisciplinary teams, and is passionate about delivering cutting‑edge life sciences and mission‑critical facilities that support innovation, research, and scientific advancement. At B&D, we lead the planning, development, and management of the places that shape and strengthen communities—where people live, learn, work, and innovate. B&D partners with institutions, municipalities, and organizations to deliver complex real estate and capital projects through strategic advisory and program management services across the full project lifecycle.

• Serve as the primary liaison between clients and project teams throughout the full project lifecycle
• Lead planning, design, construction, and activation activities for life sciences, laboratory, and mission‑critical projects
• Manage multidisciplinary project teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and vendors
• Review project requirements and program objectives to ensure alignment with client goals and operational needs
• Develop, monitor, and maintain project budgets, schedules, and reporting tools
• Analyze budget and schedule impacts and provide recommendations to support project financial objectives
• Coordinate procurement of design, construction, and consultant services
• Support contract development, negotiation, review, and administration for design and construction agreements
• Manage conceptual planning, preconstruction activities, schematic design, design development, and construction documentation phases
• Oversee and review architectural, structural, MEP, and engineering drawings, specifications, and bid documents
• Facilitate project meetings, document action items, and drive accountability among stakeholders
• Engage with clients, city officials, architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and utility providers to communicate project status and proactively resolve issues
• Anticipate budget and schedule risks and implement mitigation strategies
• Lead value engineering discussions and review alternative solutions with project teams
• Coordinate peer reviews and specialty consultants as required for project success
• Direct and mentor Assistant Project Managers and other project team members
• Oversee construction activities to ensure compliance with project requirements, quality standards, and design intent
• Support contract issuance, purchase orders, and progress payment reviews
• Monitor construction progress and provide reporting on project status, risks, and field conditions
• Manage project closeout and transition activities through successful completion and occupancy
• Contribute to business development efforts through networking, proposal development, client presentations, and interview participation
• Promote the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and client service

• 8+ years of experience in the real estate design, development, or construction industry
• Experience supporting life sciences, laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and/or mission‑critical projects
• Strong expertise in MEP systems coordination, integration, commissioning support, and project delivery
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Real Estate, or a related field
• Experience serving as an Owner’s Representative or Project Manager representing the interests of developers, owners, investors, or institutional clients
• Demonstrated leadership through master planning, budgeting, schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and project activation phases
• Strong understanding of project controls, project management processes, construction documentation, and project sequencing
• Working knowledge of construction methodologies, value engineering practices, building codes,…