Construction Project Manager - Interior Renovation & Facility Fit-Out

Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external design firms to define requirements, develop and optimize test fits, prepare detailed cost estimates, and establish realistic project timelines. 5+ years of progressive experience in construction project management, with a strong preference for interior renovations, facility fit-outs, and upgrades rather than new-shell construction.

Overview:

Client is seeking a talented, detail-oriented, and self-driven Construction Project Manager to join the Operations Department in Piscataway, NJ. The primary focus of this role is the planning, design coordination, execution, commissioning, and validation of internal renovations, interior fit-outs, and facility upgrades within existing buildings. The ideal candidate will have experience managing complex renovations including occupied laboratory or logistics operation environment, with a strong emphasis on minimizing operational disruption.

Job Responsibilities

Project Planning & Pre-Construction

• Visit potential sites to evaluate technical feasibility, constraints, and cost implications of proposed renovation projects.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external design firms to define requirements, develop and optimize test fits, prepare detailed cost estimates, and establish realistic project timelines.
• Work with the procurement team to manage bidding and contracting for design services, construction, and long-lead equipment specific to interior renovation scopes.
• Manage contract negotiation, execution, and administration with consultants, contractors, and suppliers, ensuring compliance with terms, quality standards, and schedules.

Project Execution & Management

• Actively manage technical, quality, safety, and schedule performance of interior renovation and fit-out projects, with particular attention to work in occupied or partially occupied facilities.
• Coordinate communication between design teams, construction contractors, and internal stakeholders; document decisions and drive timely resolution of issues.
• Plan and manage all required government permits, inspections, and approvals for renovation work (either directly or through the contractor).
• Provide clear weekly progress reports to management, identify bottlenecks and root causes, and escalate issues promptly for resolution.
• Organize and oversee factory acceptance tests (FAT), commissioning, and validation activities to ensure renovated spaces and systems meet user requirements and regulatory standards

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in construction project management, with a strong preference for interior renovations, facility fit-outs, and upgrades rather than new-shell construction.
• Direct hands-on experience with project design coordination, test-fits, cost evaluation, and MEP system studies is required.
• Experience managing projects involving HVAC systems is required; experience with interior renovation of laboratories, cleanrooms, or biopharmaceutical spaces is highly desired.
• Proven ability to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical and communication issues in a renovation project.

Skills

• Strong project management, leadership, and communication skills.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and root-cause analysis capabilities with a results-driven approach.
• Ability to manage multiple renovation projects while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations

Additional Considerations

• Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Procore, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6).
• Familiarity with construction estimating and scheduling tools.
• Solid understanding of U.S. building codes, local permitting processes for renovations, safety regulations, and biopharmaceutical industry standards (cGMP, etc.) are all plus