Vice President of Design

Volumetric Building Company

Cambridge (MA)

On-site

USD 215,000 - 225,000

Full time

8 days ago

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Job summary

Volumetric Building Companies (VBC) in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Vice President of DFMA Integration and Operations to lead the design-to-manufacturing bridge. You will drive the operating model, governance, and scalable workflows across design, engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure production-ready solutions and continuous improvement.

The role reports to the Chief Design Officer and focuses on design governance, integration management, and performance analytics to optimize studio

Qualifications

Minimum bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, or related field.
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, or product development environments.
DfMA familiarity required; cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management essential.
Experience implementing operational systems, governance frameworks, and process improvement programs.

Responsibilities

Lead the DfMA integration and operations to deliver design excellence at scale.
Define and manage the operating model for the design organization and cross-functional alignment.
Establish design readiness criteria and release standards for production execution.
Develop governance, design review, freeze, and release gate processes for Studio teams.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional

Program management

DfMA

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, or related field

MBA or advanced technical degree preferred

Tools

BIM

Digital delivery

Model-based coordination

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Vice President of DFMA Integration and Operations

Full Time Cambridge, MA, US

Salary Range: $215,000.00 To $225,000.00 Annually

Who are we?

Volumetric Building Companies (VBC) is a vertically integrated global volumetric construction leader, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. with locations across the United States and in Europe in the UK, Poland and Serbia.

Utilizing our technology-enabled design and engineering model, precision-driven manufacturing capabilities, and project-proven modular construction expertise, the company’s focus is on providing high quality, sustainably produced buildings in less time across varied market sectors including housing and hospitality.

As we grow, we are continually and very selectively adding top talent to our team. Our engaging culture is one that promotes teamwork, innovation, continuous learning, open and candid communications, and respect and support for one another, and for the communities in which we operate.

If you think you are one of the best at what you do and want to join us on our journey to build the future and improve lives, then we’d love to hear from you!

About the role

he Vice President of DfMA Integration and Operations is responsible for leading the systems, processes, governance, and cross-functional integration required to deliver design excellence at scale. This role serves as the bridge between design, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and project delivery, ensuring that design intent is consistently translated into efficient, manufacturable, and production-ready solutions. Reporting to the Chief Design Officer, the VP will establish and lead the operational framework through which design is executed across the organization, and is accountable for design workflow optimization, integration management, design governance, production readiness, and continuous improvement across all design delivery functions. This position does not own product, platform, or kit-of-parts strategy as those responsibilities remain with the Chief Design Officer. Instead, this role ensures the successful implementation, adoption, and execution of the company's design standards, systems, and platform decisions throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

DfMA Operations Leadership

Develop and lead the operating model for the design organization
Establish scalable workflows, standards, an procedures that improve design quality, cons itency, and efficiency
Create visibility into team capacity , resource planni ng, delivery performance, and operati onal risks
Drive continuous improvement across all DfMA Studio functions
Implement operational metrics and reporting systems to support optimal organi zational performance

DfMA Integration

Ensure all deliverabl es are aligned with fabrication, assembly, procurement, and production requirements
Lead the integration of design , engineering, and manufacturing workflows to reduce downstream issues and rework
Coordinate with manufacturing leaders to identify and eliminate recurring design-related production challenges
Establish design readiness criteria and release standards for production execution

Cross-Functional Alignment

Serve as primary integration leader across Architecture , Syste ms Engineering, DfMA Data,
Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Project Delivery
Facilitate structured decision-making an d issue resolution across disciplines
Establish governance and communication processes that improve collaboration and accountability
Ensure organizational alignment around design and engineering execution priorities and standards

Governance and Delivery Excellence

Develop an d manage design review, design freeze, and release gate processes for Studio teams
Ensure comp liance with Studio operational requirements
Lead risk identification and mitiga tion efforts related to Studio design delivery
Create consistent documentation , model management , and information exchange protocols and standards
Support quality assurance initiatives for Studio teams

Performance Management and Analytics

Define and monitor key performance indicators for optimized Studio performance
Establish reporting tools and dashboards that measure organizational effectiveness
Analyze root causes of design and engineering related deficiencies and implement corrective actions
Track performance against , schedule, quality, cost and other operational objectives

Leadership Responsibilities

Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing DfMA inte gration and operations team
Foster a culture of accountability , collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement
Partner closely with senior leadership to align design execution with business objectives
Lead organizational cha nge initiatives associated with process i mprovement and DfMA transformation
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Design Officer on operational strategy and organizational performance

About you

Minimum bachelor’s degree in Architecture , Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Design,
Manufacturin g, or related field required ; MBA or advanced technical degree preferred
15+ Years of progressive leadership experience in design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, or product
development environments required DfMA (design for manufacturing and assembly) familiarity required
Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional team s and complex organizational initi atives require
Strong understanding of design delivery, engineering coordination, and manufacturing processes required
Experience implementing operational systems , governance frameworks , and process improvement programs required
Exceptional leadership, communication , and stakeholder management skills required
Experience in modular, volumetric , or industrialized construction , prefabrication , or advanced manufacturing environments preferred
Familiarity with BIM, digital delivery workflows, and model-based coordination preferred
Experience driving Df MA implementation and production in tegration initiatives preferred
Lean manufacturing , Six Sigma , operational excellence, or continuous improvement experience preferred

TEAM CONNECTIVITY

Works most closely with the Chief Design Officer on DfMA execution strategy, alignment, and reporting
Works closely with Senior DfMA Studio Staff and Manufacturing Senior Team on DfMA integration and production readiness Works with Systems Engi neering , Manufacturing, Supply Clain, Product Development, and Project delivery leadership across the or ganization
Works with Executive Leadership Team for cross-functional initiatives
Position located at VBC Manufacturing Facility ( 3 days per week )
Travel to manufacturing location , corpor ate office and | or DfMA Studio headquarters as needed

VBC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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