Vice President Design Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Vice President, Design & Construction provides strategic and operational leadership for all engineering, architectural design, preconstruction, and construction functions across Z Modular projects. This executive leadership role is responsible for overseeing the full project lifecycle from concept development and preconstruction through project execution and delivery, ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with quality and sustainability standards.

The VP plays a critical role in advancing the company's modular construction strategy by integrating innovative design, engineering excellence, manufacturing integration, and construction execution into a unified design-build delivery model. This leader will oversee multidisciplinary teams and drive collaboration across architecture, engineering, manufacturing, field operations, and construction management to optimize project outcomes and support scalable growth.

This role requires a true design-build leader with experience managing complex projects from conceptual design through manufacturing integration, field construction, and final turnover. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise, operational leadership, business acumen, and a passion for innovation within industrialized and modular construction environments.

This role requires approximately 50% travel to manufacturing facilities, project sites, client locations, and partner meetings.

What you'll DoStrategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's modular construction, engineering, design-build, and project delivery strategy aligned with organizational goals and growth objectives.
• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for architectural design, engineering, preconstruction, and construction operations.
• Drive innovation and operational excellence through integrated design-build and modular construction methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability, quality, schedule performance, and profitability across projects and processes.
• Partner closely with executive leadership to support operational planning, strategic initiatives, and business growth.

Engineering, Design & Preconstruction

• Lead the architectural and engineering design process for modular construction projects from conceptualization through construction administration.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop innovative and cost-effective design solutions that optimize functionality, constructability, sustainability, manufacturing integration, and schedule performance.
• Oversee permitting, design coordination, constructability reviews, value engineering, budgeting, and project planning activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, zoning regulations, safety standards, and industry requirements.
• Establish engineering and design standards that support repeatability, scalability, and continuous improvement within modular construction operations.
• Lead integrated design-build collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and construction teams to streamline project delivery and execution.

Construction Operations & Project Execution

• Oversee all phases of construction projects, including planning, procurement, subcontractor coordination, scheduling, execution, commissioning, and closeout.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with company quality and safety standards.
• Monitor project performance, proactively identify risks, and implement mitigation and contingency strategies.
• Lead project reviews and operational assessments to drive continuous improvement and successful project outcomes.
• Travel regularly to manufacturing facilities and project sites to oversee operations and support project execution.
• Align field construction execution with prefabrication and manufacturing operations to support efficient modular installation and delivery.

Quality, Safety & Risk Management

• Establish and enforce rigorous quality assurance and quality control standards across engineering, design, manufacturing, and construction activities.
• Lead and promote healthy and safe work practices in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Identify and mitigate operational, financial, design, and construction risks to minimize project disruptions and liabilities.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Sustainability & Innovation

• Drive sustainability initiatives by integrating environmentally responsible materials, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable construction practices into project execution and design.
• Stay current on emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in modular construction, engineering, and construction management.
• Leverage innovation and technology to improve project delivery, manufacturing integration, and operational performance.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams across engineering, architecture, design, project management, and construction operations.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented culture focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Hire, coach, develop, monitor, and evaluate team members while supporting employee engagement and professional development.
• Review and recommend personnel actions for approval.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, consultants, contractors, vendors, and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and business partners to support successful project delivery and future growth opportunities.
• Represent the company at industry meetings, conferences, and business development events.
• Support business development initiatives by identifying and pursuing new project opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Who You Are

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience managing complex engineering, design-build, and construction projects.
• Proven experience in modular construction, prefabrication, manufacturing-integrated construction, or integrated design-build project delivery preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering large-scale projects from concept through completion.
• Experience leading integrated engineering, design, manufacturing, and field construction operations strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of industrialized construction methodologies and manufacturing-driven project delivery models.
• Any combination of relevant education and/or experience demonstrating proficiency in the essential functions of the role.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Extensive knowledge of engineering principles, architectural design, construction management practices, building codes, zoning regulations, and industry standards.

• Strong understanding of modular construction methodologies, prefabrication, manufacturing integration, and integrated design-build project delivery models.

• Knowledge of sustainable design practices and green building certifications such as LEED and WELL preferred.

• Strong financial and operational acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and resource planning.

• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, resolve conflicts, and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

• Proficiency in project management and construction management software platforms.

• Demonstrated ability to drive organizational change, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods and use a computer, including repetitive hand and wrist movements.

• Ability to move throughout office, manufacturing, and construction site environments.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.

• Good visual acuity for reading screens, plans, drawings, and documents.