Regulatory & AHJ Manager

KBR · Richmond

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KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets. 

KBR is seeking a Regulatory & AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) Coordination Manager to develop, manager, and maintain strategic relationships with all regulatory, inspection, and approval authorities involved in the planning, design, construction, commissioning, and startup of a multi-billion-dollar greenfield pharmaceutical manufacturing project. The Regulatory & AHJ Manager serves as the primary day-to-day interface with Authorities Having Jurisdiction and regulatory review agencies throughout the project lifecycle. This role coordinates technical reviews, permitting meetings, inspections, code compliance reviews, and approval processes with organizations including Richmond Planning & Development Review, Land Use Administration, Permits & Inspections Bureau, Fire Marshal's Office, Department of Public Utilities, Department of Public Works, Virginia DEQ, VDOT, Dominion Energy, and other applicable authorities. The Regulatory & AHJ Manager facilitates resolution of permit comments, inspection findings, and regulatory concerns while maintaining the AHJ Engagement Register and ensuring approval milestones remain aligned with project schedule requirements. Early engagement and active management of agency relationships are employed to mitigate regulatory risks and accelerate approval timelines.

Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to: 

• Develop and implement the project's comprehensive regulatory compliance strategy, identifying all applicable federal, state, local, environmental, building, fire protection, occupational safety, pharmaceutical, and utility-related requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), including building departments, fire marshals, environmental agencies, utility providers, health departments, and other governing bodies to establish collaborative relationships and facilitate project approvals.
• Lead the planning, preparation, submission, tracking, and closeout of all permits, licenses, certifications, and regulatory approvals required for project execution, ensuring alignment with project schedules and milestone requirements.
• Coordinate with engineering, architecture, and design teams to ensure facility designs comply with applicable building codes, pharmaceutical regulations, life safety standards, environmental requirements, and industry best practices.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate regulatory and permitting risks that could impact project cost, schedule, quality, commissioning, qualification, or operational readiness. Develop mitigation plans and escalation strategies for critical compliance issues.
• Manage all regulatory inspections, AHJ reviews, site visits, audits, and compliance assessments throughout the project lifecycle. Ensure timely resolution of findings, comments, and corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive regulatory documentation system, including permits, approvals, correspondence, compliance matrices, inspection reports, and regulatory commitments. Provide regular compliance status reporting to project leadership.
• Support CQV and startup activities by coordinating required regulatory inspections, occupancy approvals, operational permits, and authority sign-offs necessary for facility turnover and manufacturing operations commencement.
• Provide leadership and guidance to project stakeholders regarding regulatory obligations, compliance requirements, permit conditions, and evolving regulatory expectations. Deliver executive-level updates on approvals status, emerging risks, and regulatory readiness.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills: 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Environmental Science, Public Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience managing permitting and regulatory approvals for large industrial, pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical, life sciences, or advanced manufacturing projects.
• Demonstrated experience supporting greenfield capital projects exceeding $500 million in total installed cost.
• Strong knowledge of building codes, fire and life safety requirements, environmental regulations, utility coordination, and construction compliance processes.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple regulatory interfaces and approval processes simultaneously.
• Familiarity with EPC, EPCM, or owner-led project delivery models.
• PMP, PE, CCM, CFPS, or similar professional certifications are preferred.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills: 

• Experience supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or other GMP-regulated facilities.
• Prior experience in an Owner’s Representative or PMC role for major capital projects in excess of $1B TIC.
• Environmental permitting, site development approvals, wastewater permits, air permits, stormwater management permits, and utility infrastructure approvals.
• FDA-regulated, GMP-compliant manufacturing facilities.
• Complex permitting and inspection programs involving multiple jurisdictions and regulatory agencies.
• Commissioning, qualification, validation, and facility startup support in regulated environments.

Decarbonization – Energy Transition – Sustainability  

KBR Benefits​ 

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.​ 

Click here to learn more:  KBR Benefits 

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture.  These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company.  That commitment is central to our team of team’s philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver – Together. 

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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