Senior Project Manager - Raleigh

At Unispace, we create spaces that empower people and businesses to thrive. We are a global design-build partner delivering workplace and life sciences projects for some of the world’s most innovative brands.

With over 500 people across four continents, we bring together strategy, design, project management, and delivery into one seamless experience. Our integrated approach enables us to move with agility, solve complex challenges, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients.

Our people are at the centre of everything we do. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity, accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us create better experiences for our clients and each other.

At Unispace, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, work alongside talented global teams, and grow your career in an environment that encourages innovation and new ideas.

At Unispace, we create spaces that empower people and businesses to thrive. We are a global design-build partner delivering workplace and Life Sciences projects for some of the world’s most innovative brands.

With over 500 people across four continents, we bring together strategy, design, project management, and delivery into one seamless experience. Our integrated approach enables us to move with agility, solve complex challenges, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients.

Our people are at the centre of everything we do. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity, accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us create better experiences for our clients and each other.

At Unispace, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, work alongside talented global teams, and grow your career in an environment that encourages innovation and new ideas.

Job Title: Project Construction Manager

Team: Delivery

Responsible to: Principal, Delivery

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Who we are

At Unispace, we are committed to transforming environments to meet the diverse needs of today’s dynamic global brands.

Our agile, end-to-end approach is delivered seamlessly across borders, fuelled by strong client partnerships and supported by insightful workplace intelligence, technical expertise, and innovative technology.

While our core business has traditionally centred around workplace strategy, design and construction, our Life Sciences capability continues to grow , supporting clients across technically complex environments where safety, quality, compliance, programme and operational continuity are critical.

Across our global studios, we recognise that our people are our greatest asset. We prioritise their growth and well-being through rewards and recognition, career development opportunities, and a strong focus on mental and physical well-being.

We also embrace flexible working arrangements where appropriate, supporting collaboration while enabling our teams to work effectively across projects, clients and regions.

Why You’re Here

In US construction terminology, this position aligns closely with a Senior Project Manager / Construction Manager role, with the title emphasising direct responsibility for construction delivery and site execution.

As a Project Construction Manager, you will take ownership of the end-to-end delivery of complex Life Sciences and commercial design and construction projects .

This role combines project management with hands-on construction leadership, acting as the key link between the client, design team, site leadership, subcontractors, specialist consultants and vendors.

With a focus on safe, high-quality and commercially successful delivery, you will drive projects from initial planning and preconstruction through construction, commissioning, handover and close-out.

Experience delivering Life Sciences environments is essential for this position. This could include laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotech, research, healthcare, cleanroom or other technically complex environments.

What you’re responsible for

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Lead large-scale, complex Life Sciences and commercial construction projects from preconstruction and initial planning through site delivery, commissioning, handover and close-out, ensuring safety, quality, programme, budget and client expectations are achieved at every phase.

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Serve as the primary client contact, building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships. You’ll be proactive in understanding client needs, including operational, technical and regulatory requirements, and tailoring project strategies accordingly.

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Manage and coordinate all aspects of project and construction delivery, including preconstruction planning, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, resource allocation, risk management, change control and regulatory compliance.

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Develop delivery plans that balance safety, quality, programme and commercial objectives while recognising the additional complexity associated with Life Sciences environments, specialist systems and highly coordinated technical spaces .

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Facilitate and lead regular client and stakeholder meetings, providing updates on progress, addressing concerns and fostering open, solution-focused communication.

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Lead subcontractor and vendor coordination from procurement through completion, ensuring scope, programme, quality and performance requirements are clearly understood and achieved.

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Work closely with site teams, technical consultants and specialist subcontractors to resolve trade coordination issues and maintain progress against the construction programme.

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Maintain a strong presence throughout the construction phase, working closely with Site Superintendents and subcontractors to monitor progress, construction quality and site safety.

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Lead site inspections, proactively resolve delivery issues and ensure work is completed in accordance with drawings, specifications, building codes, client requirements and health and safety standards.

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Coordinate complex MEP, building systems and specialist Life Sciences packages , ensuring technical requirements are understood, sequenced and integrated effectively into the wider construction programme.

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Collaborate across design, engineering, commercial and construction teams to ensure buildability and seamless integration of client requirements.

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Drive design coordination, constructability reviews and timely resolution of RFIs, changes and site issues to keep delivery aligned with the client’s vision and project objectives.

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Support commissioning, validation, turnover and close-out activities where required, ensuring all outstanding items are resolved and project documentation is completed accurately.

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Develop and implement project and construction management best practices, strengthening planning, site coordination, documentation and team accountability.

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Mentor junior Project Managers and Project Engineers, supporting consistent delivery standards and continuous improvement.

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Own project financial performance, including budgets, forecasts, committed costs, change management and cost control.

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Maintain clear commercial visibility and provide transparent reporting to clients and internal stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

How we’ll measure it

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Client-centred – driven to provide an outstanding experience through proactive communication, exceptional service, and a commitment to understanding both operational and technical client priorities.

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Organised and detail-oriented – able to oversee complex projects, prioritise competing demands, and maintain high standards under tight timelines.

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Technically aware – comfortable operating within highly coordinated Life Sciences environments and working alongside design, engineering, commissioning and specialist technical teams.

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Collaborative and communicative – engaging effectively with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, consultants, subcontractors and clients.

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Commercially strong – able to maintain control of programme, budget, change and risk throughout project delivery.

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A strategic problem solver – able to adapt project plans, identify risks early and resolve construction challenges without losing sight of client outcomes.

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A mentor and leader – passionate about fostering growth and development within the team and inspiring accountability and excellence in others.

Your experience and skills

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10+ years of project/construction management experience within the design, fit-out or construction industry, with proven responsibility for delivering large, complex projects from preconstruction through construction and close-out.

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Demonstrable Life Sciences construction experience is essential , ideally across laboratory, pharmaceutical, biotech, research, healthcare, cleanroom or similarly technical environments.

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Strong experience delivering projects within a general contractor, construction management or integrated design-build environment .

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Extensive experience in client relationship management, with the ability to anticipate client needs, adapt strategies accordingly and maintain strong client satisfaction levels.

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Strong practical understanding of construction methodologies, sequencing, building codes and regulatory requirements.

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Demonstrated experience in site delivery, trade coordination, subcontractor management and construction quality control .

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Strong understanding of complex MEP and specialist systems coordination , particularly within technically demanding environments.

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Experience managing subcontractor procurement, commercial negotiations, change orders and contractor performance.

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Solid financial acumen with experience in project budgeting, forecasting, committed costs and cost control.

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Experience managing project schedules, identifying programme risks and implementing recovery strategies where required.

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Experience supporting commissioning, turnover and project close-out.

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Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Vista, Procore or similar project management and construction software.

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Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.

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Experience across commercial workplace, fit-out or corporate interiors in addition to Life Sciences would be highly advantageous.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment lifecycle where required by applicable law.

Inclusion & Diversity

At Unispace, we believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams, our culture, and the work we deliver for our clients.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and has the opportunity to thrive.

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment lifecycle where required by applicable law.

Inclusion & Diversity

At Unispace, we believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams, our culture, and the work we deliver for our clients. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and has the opportunity to thrive.

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.