VDC Director

Gilbane Building; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilbane is seeking a VDC Director to be accountable for VDC execution, implementation, and development within a Division. You will lead with an inclusive, coaching mindset and drive alignment with enterprise strategy.

You will build high performing teams, advance BIM/VDC initiatives, and collaborate with the Gilbane Technology Group to foster innovation and competitive advantage. Salary is determined by location and experience, with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of BIM/VDC/related field experience.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated expertise leading BIM/VDC initiatives and technology implementation.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead VDC strategy and national standards across the division.
• Coordinate with regional leadership to align VDC across BUs and projects.
• Manage VDC workload and allocate resources proactively.
• Foster cross-department collaboration and innovation with the Gilbane Technology Group.
• Develop and implement training, communication, and rollout plans.
• Lead VDC deliverables regionally and mentor VDC staff.

Skills

BIM/VDC leadership

Team leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in AEC or related field

Tools

BIM software

Design software

Job description

Overview

Do you consider yourself to be a highly technical, strong communicator with the desire to work in a team environment on complex projects? Gilbane is seeking a

Overview

Do you consider yourself to be a highly technical, strong communicator with the desire to work in a team environment on complex projects? Gilbane is seeking a VDC Director to be accountable for VDC execution, implementation, and development within a Division.

Who are we?

As a Top-10 ENR Contractor, Gilbane is a family-owned business with 45 offices that has been shaping communities since 1870. Consistently recognized as one of the most reputable construction management firms in the country, Gilbane is committed to delivering projects safely and on-time. You will have the opportunity to build schools, labs, hospitals, corporate offices, sports arenas and more! We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Who are you?

You are a coach/leader who leads with an inclusive and empathetic mindset. You provide feedback and guidance to help others excel in their current or future roles. You determine priorities, delegate work, and effectively communicate progress. You establish measures to assess the impact, quality, and timeliness of results while praising successes and sharing lessons learned. You build high performing teams by attracting, engaging, developing, and retaining talented individuals through motivation and discipline to maximize impact on the organization and the individual.

You leverage business insights by understanding industry trends, local market/economic conditions, and Gilbane’s business model to make critical decisions and create competitive advantage. You deploy a strategic mindset when considering solutions to long-term opportunities and risks that may develop in the future.

Your core values match Gilbane’s: Integrity, Caring, Teamwork, Toughmindedness, Dedication to Excellence, Discipline, Loyalty, and Entrepreneurship.

What’s in it for you?

Gilbane offers employees multi-dimensional training opportunities through a number of resources. While managing your responsibilities to projects, you will be able to enroll in trainings through our award-winning Gilbane University to build leadership and technical skills. In addition, you would work with an experienced team which provides you with the opportunity to learn new industry skills every day. You will protect and promote the interests of both Gilbane and the client in all matters as well as demonstrating the personal characteristics of a developing leader.

Responsibilities

• Supports the VDC Peer Group Leader and actively participates in development of the National VDC Strategic Plan, companywide trainings, and software implementation in alignment with Enterprise and Regional strategic plans and sales goals; aligns with other regional VDC Directors on VDC vision and planning
• Collaborates with regional leadership to develop VDC strategic and implementation across BUs and project(s)
• Manages VDC workload and ensures appropriate resources are in place; approaches resource allocation proactively and works directly with regional leadership; collaborates across multiple regions to share resources as needed
• Integrates across departments and support operational success; fosters communication and collocation across every aspect of the business; integrates and collaborates with the Gilbane Technology Group to foster a culture of innovation
• Develops and defines VDC national standards, and Baseline documents; develops training, communication, and implementation plans; aligns VDC standards to current industry best practices
• Serves as a proven Subject Matter Expert (SME) in two or more areas, and responsible for SME sub-peer group success at National level.
• Develops content for and participates in Business Development (BD), sales, pursuits, and client interviews
• Builds and manages internal and external relationships with all project stakeholders to facilitate project success
• Facilitates and supports team communication and ensures project accountability; escalates and reports issues to upper management as needed
• Investigates and reviews new and emerging technology; participates in pilot projects to test new software/processes and determine next steps
• Attends and presents at industry events and stays current with industry trends and competitor analysis
• Leads all VDC deliverables and tasks across a region
• Responsible for the career development and coaching of team members
• Fosters a positive and inclusive work environment to motivate and engage team members
• Interprets and translates the organizational strategy, ensuring team understanding of their role in accomplishing strategic goals
• Partners with business development to ensure seamless integration with sales strategies, client capture plans and account plans. Optimizes profit levers and gross profit margin tactics to achieve performance targets on new sales. Leads opportunities to strengthen client, partner, and industry relationships that help position Gilbane as the "Builder of Choice"

Experience/Education

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in Building Information Modeling (BIM), Virtual Design & Construction (VDC), Architecture, Engineering, Construction or a related field
• 3+ years of supervisory experience
• Demonstrated expertise leading BIM/ VDC initiatives, technology implementation, and project support teams
• Proven ability to apply advanced technical and industry knowledge gained through hands‑on experience
• Bachelors Degree in an AEC or related field preferred but not required
• Demonstrated expertise and industry knowledge is valued as highly as formal education

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong time‑management and analytical skills
• Expert knowledge of BIM and design software Strong knowledge of complex design concepts and integrated building components and systems
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, team environment
• Knowledge of local and national market conditions
• Ability to train and develop VDC Managers and Engineers on variety of VDC tasks and processes
• Knowledge of various project delivery types and market sectors and how to apply them to the VDC process
• Ability to prioritize tasks of self and direct reports to achieve VDC deliverables deadlines

Salary to be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience of the applicant, as well as the internal equity and alignment with the team.

For Chicago, IL, this ranges from $170,000 - $220,000 plus benefits and retirement program.

Gilbane offers an excellent total compensation package which includes competitive health and welfare benefits and a generous profit‑sharing/401k plan. We invest in our employees’ education and have built Gilbane University into a top training organization in the construction industry. Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre‑employment substance abuse test.

Gilbane is an Affir action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status. Click here to view the physical demands and working conditions required to perform this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.