Project Manager – Life Sciences/Pharma Construction

Sentinel
Project Manager – Life Sciences/Pharma Construction
Location: Hertfordshire
Type: Full-time, hybrid
Salary: £60,000-£75,000 (+benefits)

About the Role
Sentinel is partnering with a leading construction and programme management consultancy, recognised for delivering technically complex and high-value projects across the built environment. We are recruiting experienced project managers to joing their life sciences team in delivering capital programmes across laboratories, production facilities, and commercial estates. With a strong portfolio of ongoing work and long-term client relationships, they play a key role in modernising life sciences facilities and supporting strategic operational goals.
The successful candidates will joing a team working with a single client, taking responsibility for laboratory fit-outs, building expansions, and estate improvement projects. This role offers the chance to work alongside experienced specialists delivering technically challenging projects within live operational environments.

The firm is known for its strong focus on career development, promoting from within, and providing structured learning and development opportunities. Employees also have the chance to broaden their experience by working on projects both nationally and internationally, gaining exposure to diverse sectors and complex delivery environments.

Responsibilities
You will play a central role in delivering life science construction projects across the full project life cycle – from early feasibility and business case development through to procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover.
Projects could include:

• Capital expansions and refurbishments of laboratory and production facilities
• Laboratory fit-outs with high technical and regulatory requirements
• Building modernization programs and upgrades to support operational efficiency
• Strategic estate development projects aligned with long-term operational plans

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, including programmes, budgets, schedules, and milestones
• Manage project budgets, including cost estimation, approvals, and tracking of contractor and consultant payments
• Lead and coordinate project teams, including contractors, engineers, architects, and consultants, fostering collaboration and productivity
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, including financial, legal, environmental, and operational risks
• Act as the main point of contact for internal stakeholders and external partners, providing updates on progress, risks, and opportunities
• Oversee procurement and contract administration, ensuring compliance with NEC contracts and industry best practices
• Supervise construction, commissioning, validation, and project closeout processes
• Report on project progress to programme leads and contribute to broader programme-level reporting

Skills & Experience

• NEC accreditation or equivalent project management certification desirable
• Membership of a professional body (RICS, CIOB, or similar) or willingness to work towards
• Strong understanding of construction industry themes such as MMC, Net Zero Carbon, and digital transformation
• Knowledge of the full project life cycle, business case approvals, and capital planning
• Experience delivering life sciences or highly technical projects in operational environments is advantageous
• Client-facing experience, engaging with project sponsors, operations teams, and functional stakeholders