Construction Project Manager - Science & Tech, Manufacturing

Description

About Columbia Construction

For over a century, Columbia Construction Company has been a trusted partner in building environments where innovation thrives. As a fifth-generation, family-owned firm, we take pride in our commitment to collaboration, integrity, and technical excellence. Within our Science & Technology Division, we specialize in highly complex projects — from cutting-edge laboratories to advanced manufacturing facilities — that enable our clients to push the boundaries of discovery.

Position Overview

The Construction Project Manager (PM) in Columbia’s Science & Technology Division leads the planning, coordination, and execution of technically demanding projects in the life sciences, biotech, and advanced technology sectors. This role requires a deep understanding of controlled environments, precision systems, and client-driven performance standards. The PM acts as the central point of communication between the client, design team, and field operations, ensuring every aspect of the project aligns with Columbia’s standards of safety, quality, and innovation.

Our ideal candidate embodies intelligence, grit, adaptability, passion, and an entrepreneurial spirit — thriving in an environment where technical challenges meet creative problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership: Manage all aspects of construction projects from preconstruction through closeout, ensuring technical compliance, safety, and alignment with client expectations.

Client Partnership: Serve as a trusted advisor to Science & Technology clients, maintaining strong relationships built on responsiveness, reliability, and transparency.

Technical Oversight: Oversee complex building systems including cleanrooms, HVAC, process piping, and utility infrastructure; collaborate with design and engineering teams to resolve technical challenges.

Financial Stewardship: Develop and manage detailed project budgets, forecasts, and cost reports; ensure financial goals are met or exceeded.

Scheduling & Logistics: Work closely with Superintendents and trade partners to create and maintain comprehensive schedules that reflect the sequencing demands of specialized systems and environments.

Team Leadership: Mentor Assistant PMs and Project Engineers; foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning within the project team.

Quality & Compliance: Ensure all work meets strict regulatory standards and Columbia’s internal quality controls.

Change Management: Evaluate, negotiate, and document change orders and subcontractor modifications with precision and transparency.

Closeout & Turnover: Manage commissioning, validation, and final documentation processes; ensure successful handover and long-term client satisfaction.

Requirements

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related technical discipline.

5–10 years of progressive experience managing commercial construction projects, with a focus on Science & Technology, life sciences, laboratory, or cleanroom environments.

Proven track record managing projects between $5M and $100M+.

Strong technical knowledge of MEP systems, commissioning, and clean construction protocols.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.

Proficiency with Procore, MS Project, Bluebeam, and related project management tools.

OSHA 30 certification preferred.

Attributes for Success

Intelligence: You understand the science behind the build — connecting design intent with practical execution.

Grit: You navigate complex challenges with persistence and composure.

Adaptability: You thrive amid evolving client needs, designs, and technologies.

Passion: You take pride in delivering spaces that empower discovery and innovation.

Entrepreneurial Spirit: You think like an owner — always seeking better ways to plan, build, and serve.

Why Join Columbia’s Science & Technology Division?

Work on projects that directly support life-changing research and innovation.

Join a collaborative, high-performing team that values technical excellence and creative problem-solving.

Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Professional development opportunities and pathways for advancement within Columbia.

A company culture rooted in integrity, teamwork, and a passion for building what matters.

Columbia Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Columbia does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, staffing agencies, or any other third parties. Any resumes submitted to Columbia or its employees without an agreement in place will be considered the property of Columbia, and the company will not be responsible for any associated fees or placement costs.

Third-party vendors interested in working with Columbia must contact [email protected] to be considered for an approved vendor agreement.

All approved vendors must submit candidates directly to Talent Acquisition. Submissions sent to hiring managers or any employee outside of Columbia Talent Acquisition will not be recognized and may disqualify the agency from future partnership consideration.

Columbia Construction is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. We evaluate compensation decisions on a case-by-case basis.