Project Executive - Life Sciences

About Us

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. With $7.6 billion in revenue for 2024, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.

The Role We Want You For

Clayco is seeking an experienced and driven Project Executive to join our Life Sciences Business Unit. The Life Sciences market is rapidly growing and evolving, driven by advancements in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. As demand for cutting-edge research facilities, laboratories, manufacturing plants, and clinical spaces continues to increase, Clayco is committed to delivering high-performance, state-of-the-art buildings that foster innovation and scientific discovery.

In this role, you will be instrumental in driving business success within the Life Sciences Business Unit, overseeing multiple high-profile projects from acquisition through execution. Acting as the "executive in charge," your primary objectives will be to secure new business, maintain strong client relationships, and ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest safety standards. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to win business, foster client satisfaction, and deliver exceptional project outcomes.

You are a natural leader with experience managing large and complex design-build projects. You bring an entrepreneurial mindset to your work, thriving in a Seller / Doer role with a nationwide reach. You will work with an exceptional team of experts to deliver facilities that meet the stringent regulatory requirements and cutting-edge technological needs of the life sciences industry. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of the Life Sciences market, where your leadership and expertise will have a lasting impact on the industry. Your passion for business growth, combined with a strong background in leading construction teams, makes you an ideal fit to help continue to grow Clayco's presence in the Life Sciences sector.

The Specifics of the Role

Life Sciences Business Plan. Proactively engage in networking, industry events, and targeted marketing to build new client relationships.

Project Acquisition : Lead the RFQ / RFP response process, including developing pursuit strategies, managing design and preconstruction efforts, overseeing communication and marketing, and presenting to clients. Ensure strategic alignment in deal negotiations, scope definition, and contract administration.

Client Management : Serve as the primary executive contact for clients, ensuring satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle and fostering long-term relationships that lead to repeat business.

Project Leadership : Identify and recruit top talent for project teams and ensure proper scope education and smooth transitions from design to construction. Provide executive oversight during construction to ensure adherence to schedules, budgets, and quality standards.

Team Development : Mentor and inspire teams of construction professionals, fostering leadership growth and creating a high-performing, knowledgeable workforce.

Operational Oversight : Collaborate with operations teams on critical activities, including major trade buyouts and early design-phase tasks. Ensure proactive management of construction costs, risk mitigation, and field execution.

Life Sciences Business Unit by identifying opportunities for innovation, cost savings, and project delivery improvements.

Requirements

Education : Bachelor's Degree in Business, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

Experience : 15+ years of progressive experience in construction, with a strong track record managing individual projects valued at $50M or more.

Technical Expertise : Deep understanding of construction costs and cost drivers, both at the project and unit level. Proficient in contract negotiation and administration.

Leadership Skills : Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams, with a focus on mentoring and developing talent. Strong ability to navigate complex challenges, resolve conflicts, and motivate teams to achieve exceptional results.

Business Acumen : Entrepreneurial drive with a passion for business development, coupled with a keen understanding of customer decision-making processes.

Communication : Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver impactful presentations and build consensus across internal and external teams.

Problem-Solving : Ability to break down complex problems into manageable components, identify core issues, and develop innovative solutions. Skilled in prioritizing critical details and managing multiple projects concurrently.

Attention to Detail : A meticulous approach to scope management and cost control, ensuring accuracy in all aspects of project execution.

Strategic Thinking : Demonstrated ability to anticipate future trends, adapt to changing circumstances, and continuously seek ways to improve project outcomes and client satisfaction.

Physical Requirements : Ability to physically navigate job sites, including climbing ladders and multi-floor scaffolding. Able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Some Things You Should Know

Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.

No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.

We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.

The pace is fast!

This position is classified as a safety-sensitive role in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check, which includes mandatory drug testing.

Why Clayco?

2024 Best Places to Work – Crain's Chicago Business, St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.

2024 ENR Midwest – Midwest Contractor (#1).

2024 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).

2024 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 5).

Benefits

Discretionary Annual Bonus : Subject to company and individual performance.

Comprehensive Benefits Package Including : Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to : Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.