Design Project Manager - Life Sciences A & E

PM Group is seeking a Design Project Manager to join our rapidly growing team in the Raleigh-Durham area (Apex, NC). This role supports our expansion in the U.S. by delivering cutting-edge projects for Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, and Cell & Gene Therapy facilities—from feasibility through qualification—for both local and international clients.

About the role

We are looking for a Project Manager who thrives on client interaction and technical project management. This individual will drive the direction and performance of design projects, ensuring alignment with objectives, requirements, metrics, and quality standards. Projects will span all design phases—feasibility studies, conceptual & schematic design, construction documentation, and construction administration—and will include both existing building improvements and new construction in the life science industry.

Responsibilities

• Perform work in compliance with PM Group’s Service Delivery platforms and Quality Management System
• Execute all phases of the project safely and take overall responsibility for technical and commercial delivery
• Implement Quality Plans and define the scope of work within budget
• Develop and align the project execution strategy with the Project Team and Customer, monitoring and adjusting as needed
• Identify resource needs, timing, and coordinate with resource owners
• Coordinate design across all disciplines
• Obtain purchase orders from the Client, agree on invoicing details, and track payments
• Prepare the Project Monthly Internal Report (PMIR) for PM Group Management, flagging any significant project issues with potential commercial risks
• Ensure Customer and sub-consultant agreements are in place
• Develop, track, and report on project schedules, implementing controls as needed
• Develop project budgets, monitor, and report on them regularly
• Set up and maintain the project change management log, prepare change orders, and review changes with the Client
• Ensure compliance with local statutory and regulatory authorities
• Monitor and enforce compliance with PM Group and/or Customer procedures
• Review contract risks, organize appropriate reviews, and mitigate risks
• Develop and maintain strong Customer relationships
• Set up communications and reporting structures (meetings, reports) and address Customer complaints or issues
• Lead proposal efforts, including developing execution strategies, commercials, and presenting to the Client
• Motivate and direct the project team, including sub-consultants
• Prepare project reports for Customers (weekly/monthly or as required), covering Health, Safety, Environmental, progress, cost, schedule status, and key risks
• Close out projects, including certification, handover, close-out review/report, project metrics, capturing “Lessons Learned,” and filing/archiving

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or relevant work experience
• 7+ years of design experience in a design firm setting, preferably in Pharmaceutical, Biopharmaceutical, or Cell & Gene Therapy sectors
• Experience leading projects valued at over $100M and managing projects exceeding 10,000+ man-hours
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen
• Good understanding of all design disciplines
• Professional Engineering (PE) licensure is strongly preferred
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to produce quality work and meet project deadlines within budget
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strong commercial skills to manage projects within budget, man-hours, and commercial return targets
• Self-driven, results-oriented with a positive outlook and a focus on high quality
• Forward planner who identifies and resolves project issues
• Ability to critically assess own performance and the performance of others
• Proven experience in multiple project delivery methods
• Knowledge of GMP Manufacturing environments is required
• Willingness to travel as needed for client and project development

About PM Group

PM Group is an employee-owned, international project delivery firm with a team of 4,000+ people. We are world leaders in the pharma, food, biotech, medical technology, and mission-critical sectors. With offices across Europe, Asia, and the U.S., we partner with leading global organizations to deliver projects that improve everyday lives. Sustainability and corporate responsibility are central to our 2026 business strategy, and we foster an inclusive, diverse workplace where all contributions are valued.