Project Manager- Life Science (Design and Construction)

Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), which now includes Project Management Advisors (PMA), is seeking a Project Manager to join our team in South San Francisco

This is a hybrid role based in San Francisco, CA.

The Opportunity

An opportunity for an experienced real estate and project management professional who enjoys leading projects, collaborating with clients and project teams, and delivering high-quality life sciences facilities from early planning through completion.

At Brailsford & Dunlavey (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.

B&D recently joined forces with Project Management Advisors (PMA), bringing together two nationally recognized leaders in program management and real estate advisory services. Together, the combined firm offers expanded capabilities across industries and end-to-end project delivery - from early-stage strategy through design, construction, and occupancy.

Our Life Sciences team supports the development, leasing, and delivery of laboratory, research, and biotech facilities across the country. We work closely with owners, developers, tenants, brokers, and project teams to deliver technically complex environments that support innovation and scientific discovery.

As a Project Manager, you will lead smaller-scale life sciences projects while serving as a trusted advisor to clients and a key liaison between ownership, design teams, contractors, consultants, and project stakeholders. You will oversee project planning, procurement, budgets, schedules, documentation, and project delivery activities while ensuring alignment with client goals and project objectives.

How You'll Contribute

Lead life sciences project management initiatives from early-stage planning through project completion, ensuring alignment with client goals, budgets, schedules, and quality expectations

Establish strong partnerships with clients and serve as a key liaison between owners, architects, engineers, contractors, brokers, and consultants

Review and evaluate project requirements, program goals, and design solutions to ensure alignment with owner objectives

Initiate and manage procurement efforts for design, construction, and consultant services

Draft, review, communicate, negotiate, and manage contractual documents for design, construction, and consultant professionals

Develop, maintain, and monitor project budgets, schedules, and web-based project controls while identifying potential risks and opportunities

Analyze budget and schedule impacts and provide recommendations to support project financial objectives

Oversee the development and review of architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and bid documents

Establish, lead, and document project meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment among stakeholders

Provide regular project updates to clients, city officials, architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants while proactively identifying issues and solutions

Anticipate potential changes to project budgets and schedules and provide recommendations to mitigate risks and maintain project objectives

Coordinate value engineering exercises and evaluate alternatives with ownership teams

Identify project requirements and facilitate procurement of peer reviews and specialty consultants as needed

Direct and mentor Assistant Project Managers and other project team members when assigned

Coordinate with architects and project teams to monitor contractor and vendor activities and verify compliance with design specifications, schedules, and quality standards

Support contract administration activities, including contracts, purchase orders, and progress payment documentation

Observe and report on construction progress, project risks, and construction-related issues

Manage project closeout activities and ensure successful project completion

Support PMA’s business development efforts by participating in networking opportunities, proposal development, and client interviews

What We're Looking For

5+ years of experience in project management, real estate development, construction, architecture, engineering, or related fields, with familiarity managing life sciences environments, including laboratory facilities, research spaces, GMP environments, clean rooms, or other specialized technical infrastructure preferred

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, Urban Planning, or a related field

Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, procurement activities, and project controls

Understanding of design and construction processes, including architectural drawings, engineering documents, bidding, and contract administration

Experience coordinating and managing architects, engineers, contractors, consultants, and other project stakeholders

Ability to analyze project data, identify risks, and develop practical solutions to keep projects moving forward

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with clients and project teams

Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining strong attention to detail and organization

What Sets You Apart

You are a confident project leader who can independently manage projects while building trusted client relationships

You communicate clearly, professionally, and proactively with clients, consultants, contractors, and internal teams

You have strong business judgment and the ability to anticipate challenges before they impact project goals

You are highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage complex project information, budgets, and schedules

You enjoy solving problems, developing solutions, and keeping projects moving forward in dynamic environments

You are comfortable balancing strategic thinking with hands-on project execution

You demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability in all interactions

You thrive in collaborative environments and enjoy partnering with diverse stakeholder groups

You are interested in the life sciences industry and the opportunity to support innovative spaces that advance scientific discovery