Biotech Life Science Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Life Science Sector Leader

HED is looking to add an experienced person to our Sector Leadership team. The person filling this position will work alongside the National Science and Technology team, and be responsible for spearheading the design and business strategy for cutting-edge biotech facilities that enable innovation in drug development, biologics, and advanced therapies.

About HED

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

Position Overview

This role blends technical expertise with visionary leadership to create environments that support research, manufacturing, and compliance in a rapidly evolving industry. The Life Science Sector Leader is responsible for driving the strategic vision, growth, and operational excellence of the Life Sciences design practice within the organization. This role combines leadership, business development, and technical expertise to deliver innovative, compliant, and sustainable design solutions for clients in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device sectors. This will be a hybrid role.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute the practice’s strategic plan aligned with corporate goals.
• Establish design standards, best practices, and quality benchmarks for life science projects.
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes to ensure compliance and innovation.
• Develop and implement a design vision that aligns with the biotech company’s mission to accelerate scientific breakthroughs.
• Establish best practices for facility design that optimize flexibility, scalability, and sustainability for biotech operations.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends in cell and gene therapy, biologics manufacturing, and regulatory compliance.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Partner with internal stakeholders and external collaborators to deliver world-class biotech facilities.
• Lead design proposals for new labs, pilot plants, and GMP manufacturing spaces tailored to biotech needs.
• Represent the company at biotech industry forums and thought leadership events.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships to expand market share in the life sciences sector.
• Collaborate with business development teams to identify opportunities and lead proposal efforts.
• Represent the practice at industry conferences, events, and thought leadership forums.

Market Strategy & Growth

• Develop and execute a comprehensive market strategy with the Science and Technology team for the life sciences sector aligned with corporate objectives.
• Identify emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory changes to position the company as an industry leader.
• Define target markets, service offerings, and go-to-market strategies to drive revenue growth

Technical Excellence & Project Delivery

• Oversee design execution for complex biotech facilities, ensuring compliance with GMP, FDA, EMA, and global standards.
• Integrate advanced technologies such as modular cleanrooms, single-use systems, and digital design tools (BIM).
• Ensure designs support innovation, operational efficiency, and rapid scale-up for clinical and commercial production.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to design teams across architecture, engineering, and process disciplines.
• Ensure projects meet client expectations for functionality, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Team Leadership & Development

Build a High-Performing Team: Recruit top talent with expertise in biotech facility design, including architects, engineers, and process specialists.

Mentorship & Career Growth: Provide structured mentorship programs and individualized development plans to help team members advance their technical and leadership skills.

Foster Collaboration: Create an environment that encourages cross-functional teamwork between design, operations, and regulatory teams to deliver integrated solutions.

Culture of Innovation: Promote a culture that values creativity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, ensuring the team stays ahead of biotech industry trends.

Performance Management: Set clear goals, KPIs, and accountability measures for team members, and conduct regular performance reviews to drive excellence.

Training & Upskilling: Implement ongoing training programs focused on GMP compliance, emerging biotech technologies, and digital design tools (e.g., BIM, Revit).

Resource Planning: Ensure optimal allocation of resources across projects, balancing workload and maintaining efficiency.

Leadership Development: Identify and groom future leaders within the practice to support succession planning and long-term growth.

Sector Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as the internal advocate for the life sciences sector, ensuring alignment across design, engineering, and delivery teams.
• Collaborate with business leaders, practice leaders and project managers to deliver integrated solutions that meet client expectations.
• Provide market insights and guidance to inform project strategies and innovation initiatives.

Financial & Operational Performance

• Set and monitor sector performance metrics, including revenue, profitability, and market share.
• Develop annual business plans and budgets for the sector.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and industry regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in life sciences facility design, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Deep knowledge of GMP, FDA, EMA, and other regulatory requirements.
• Proven track record in business development and client relationship management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional business development, client relationship, and strategic planning skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with advanced technologies such as modular design, cleanroom systems, and sustainability practices.
• Familiarity with digital design tools (BIM, Revit) and data-driven design approaches.
• Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrix organization
• Experience in biotech, pharmaceutical, or medical device sectors.
• Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrix organization.
• Strong communication and presentation skills for executive-level engagement.