Director of Virtual Design and Construction

Wharton-Smith•Sanford, FL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a Director of Virtual Design and Construction to work in Sanford, Florida. The role provides strategic leadership and oversight for the VDC Department and the company’s building information modeling (BIM) and virtual construction activities. The Director develops and maintains companywide BIM implementation plans, establishes project-specific BIM execution strategies, and supports Operations, Marketing, Business Development, Estimating, and Scheduling through construction technology. The position advances the company’s technology strategy, leads departmental initiatives, and identifies integrated solutions to improve construction coordination, planning, and execution. The Director leads VDC personnel and departmental services, establishes BIM processes and standards, and oversees coordination workflows, training, and project support. The role also directs VDC contributions to business development and project pursuits, including visual materials, and advances the use of reality capture, 3D estimating, 4D scheduling, and drone technology. Responsibilities include managing the department budget, evaluating emerging technologies, and overseeing BIM/VDC coordination and detailed piping design when needed. The Director works with project sites and departments to assess VDC implementation and establish technology and resource priorities. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, at least ten years of commercial and/or industrial general-contractor experience, and at least ten years of professional BIM experience. The role is based in a professional office environment and may involve visits to active construction sites and travel to project sites and company offices. The schedule is full-time during standard business hours, with flexibility for additional hours based on operational needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architectural Engineering, or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in commercial and/or industrial construction working for a general contractor.
At least 10 years of professional experience in Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Demonstrated supervisory and leadership experience, including overseeing departmental personnel, establishing priorities, and providing strategic direction.
Extensive knowledge of building systems, construction methods, installation procedures, and construction sequencing.
Advanced proficiency in Autodesk software applications, particularly Navisworks Manage and Revit.
Strong understanding of BIM implementation, model coordination, VDC processes, and construction technology.
Experience developing, implementing, and managing project-specific BIM Execution Plans.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement technology strategies that improve construction coordination, project management, and operational efficiency.
Experience leading strategic initiatives, managing departmental budgets, and overseeing technology implementation across multiple teams.
Strong understanding of construction technology applications and their integration into project planning, coordination, and execution.
Ability to establish departmental goals, allocate resources, and manage competing priorities in support of organizational objectives.
Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with executive leadership, business leaders, department heads, project teams, and field personnel.
Ability to communicate strategic priorities, align cross-functional teams, and provide direction regarding VDC resources and initiatives.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including identifying process improvements and implementing effective solutions.
Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships that reflect and support company values and organizational goals.
Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining proficiency in emerging BIM technologies, software, and industry practices.
Ability to work effectively in professional office environments and occasionally at active construction job sites.
Proficiency with standard office equipment, including laptops, smartphones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and scanners.
Ability to perform office-related tasks requiring close vision, focus, and regular verbal communication.
Ability to occasionally lift and move office materials and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Availability to work full-time during standard business hours, with flexibility for additional hours based on operational needs.
Willingness to travel to project sites and company offices as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Autodesk Civil 3D and Plant 3D.
Experience with industrial piping systems.

Responsibilities

Establish, promote, develop, and implement companywide BIM processes and standards.
Partner with business leaders to advance BIM technology, support organizational objectives, and encourage innovative construction practices.
Provide strategic leadership and direction for the VDC Department.
Oversee VDC personnel, including Coordinators, modelers, and other assigned team members.
Establish mentorship, professional development, and training opportunities for departmental personnel.
Collaborate with Preconstruction leadership to develop project-specific BIM Execution Plans and BIM schedules.
Oversee the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of BIM coordination workflows, procedures, and standards.
Promote communication, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the VDC Department.
Direct VDC support and service delivery for Marketing and Business Development.
Oversee the creation of animations, renderings, and other visual materials for project pursuits.
Promote and oversee implementation of 3D laser scanning and other reality capture technologies.
Collaborate with Estimating to advance 3D model use for quantity takeoffs and estimating support.
Coordinate with Scheduling to advance 4D scheduling and construction planning.
Oversee development and maintenance of the company drone program.
Establish and manage the annual VDC Department budget.
Engage with project sites and relevant departments to evaluate VDC implementation, gather feedback, identify challenges, and establish future technology and resource priorities.
Promote effective use of VDC workflows and tools across project sites.
Oversee job-site training initiatives to help personnel maximize the benefits and return on investment of BIM processes.
Provide leadership and oversight for BIM/VDC coordination on projects when needed.
Oversee detailed piping design performed by the VDC Department for Water projects.
Ensure business units receive high-quality VDC services, including 3D laser scanning, 3D coordination, detailed piping design, and shop drawings.
Oversee coordination with the Piping Lead regarding piping specifications, company piping standards, quality-checking procedures, and piping project workflows.
Evaluate emerging technologies and establish strategies for integrating appropriate tools and processes into company operations.