Composed of flexible teams of committed professionals, Rockwise Strategies leverages our deep experience to navigate the ins and outs of construction projects. We join our clients right where they need us in their project, getting ahead of potential issues and offering thoughtful guidance to ensure their building is done on time, on budget and to their exact specification. 

SUMMARY OF POSITION

This primary role of this position is to represent the owner to ensure a smooth and efficient execution of real estate development and construction and to oversee the project to deliver on time and within the owners stated budget.

The Owner’s Rep is a liaison between the project owner and the contractor or construction manager. The Owner’s Rep provides consistent communication to make sure that the owner's expectations are understood and met throughout the project. Additionally, a Construction Owner’s Representative is responsible for coordinating and overseeing various project activities, ensuring that all tasks are completed on schedule and within budget.

 Quality control is another crucial aspect of this role. The Owner’s Representative will visit the jobsite on a regular basis to ensure that all work complies with the project's plans and specifications addressing any issues that arise promptly.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, attention to details, and organizational skills. 

• Self-starter with strong multi-tasking and follow-up skills. 

• Strong ability to read, analyze and interpret plans and specifications. 

• Good judgment, logic, and ability to learn new things quickly. 

• 30% local travel to and from project meetings on a periodic basis, the majority of which are within the Twin Cities metro area. Possible occasional overnight travel outside of the metro area as required or needed.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite. 

PROJECT PLANNING AND OVERSIGHT

• Establish project goals: Collaborate with the owner/client with project site selection and assist with fundraising or selection of a financial partner if required.  Work with the owner to define and clarify project objectives, scope, and vision.

• Team selection and procurement: Manage the selection process for the design and construction teams by handling requests for proposals and evaluating bids.  Reviews and manages contracts for all vendors on the project. 

• Budget and schedule management: Develop a realistic master project schedule and budget. The Owner's Rep continuously monitors these throughout the project lifecycle to prevent overruns and delays.

• Risk management: Identify and mitigate potential risks that could cause budget overruns, delays, or other issues. 

COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION

• Central point of contact: Serve as the main liaison between the owner and all project stakeholders, including contractors, architects, engineers, and financial institutions.

• Report progress: Provide the owner with regular, unbiased updates on project status, finances, and any emerging concerns.

• Facilitate meetings: Lead and facilitate project meetings to ensure effective communication and alignment among all parties. 

FINANCIAL AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

• Contract negotiation: Assist in negotiating contracts with all vendors, ensuring the terms are favorable and protect the owner's interests.

• Invoice and payment approval: Review and approve contractor payment requests and other invoices to control project costs.

• Change order management: Scrutinize and manage any requested changes to the project's scope, budget, or timeline.

• Document management: Organize and maintain all critical project documentation, such as contracts, permits, and change orders. 

QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE CONTROL

• Quality assurance: Oversee the work to ensure all construction meets the owner's quality standards and specifications.

• On-site inspections: Conduct regular site inspections to confirm compliance with design plans, contracts, building codes, and safety regulations.

• Permitting and entitlement process: Lead the entitlement process. Assist in acquiring all necessary permits and managing regulatory processes. 

POST-CONSTRUCTION, CLOSEOUT AND COMMISSIONING

• Move management: Help coordinate furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) and manage the owner's move-in process.

• Project closeout: Oversee and manage one or more projects from predevelopment through closeout/warranty period.  Ensure all project closeout procedures are completed, including documentation, final payments, and warranty management.

• Commissioning: If the owner wants to involve a commissioning agent, the owner’s representative will coordinate the process and ensure smooth commissioning and training on behalf of the owner.

• Warranty management: Monitor and facilitate any warranty work that arises after the project is complete. 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

• Help establish and drive the strategic plan to grow the Owner’s Rep practice within Rockwise Strategies through establishing relationships with key clients to understand business needs and drive further business development opportunities.

• Build an active pipeline of RFQ’s and RFP’s, and draft and execute proposals.

• Successfully lead the response process for all Owner’s Rep opportunities.
  
  

EDUCATION

Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, architecture or related field. Additional course work in drafting and estimating preferred.

Composed of flexible teams of committed professionals, Rockwise Strategies leverages our deep experience to navigate the ins and outs of construction projects. We join our clients right where they need us in their project, getting ahead of potential issues and offering thoughtful guidance to ensure their building is done on time, on budget and to their exact specification.  

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Director of Operations is a senior-level, client-facing leadership position responsible for both developing new business and successfully delivering projects for Rockwise Strategies.

This position serves as a trusted advisor to clients throughout the development and construction process, providing strategic guidance, project leadership, and consistent communication to ensure projects are delivered successfully. The position is responsible for developing and maintaining strong client relationships, identifying future opportunities, leading pursuit efforts, and helping position Rockwise for repeat and negotiated work.

As a senior member of the organization, this position provides leadership, mentorship, and support to project teams and serves as a resource for complex project, client, contractual, and operational matters.

The successful candidate will balance the responsibilities of a seller and a doer—building relationships and creating opportunities while maintaining accountability for successful project execution, client satisfaction, profitability, quality, and overall project performance.

In addition to project delivery and business development, this role carries direct responsibility for Rockwise's overall business operations and may serve as an independent Owner's Representative on select engagements, balancing project-level leadership with company-level operational ownership.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, attention to details, and organizational skills. 

• Establish and maintain strong, long-term relationships with owners, developers, architects, engineers, consultants, and other key project stakeholders to promote repeat business.

• Strong ability to read, analyze and interpret plans and specifications. 

• Anticipate client needs and proactively identify opportunities to add value.

• 30% local travel to and from project meetings on a periodic basis, the majority of which are within the Twin Cities metro area. Possible occasional overnight travel outside of the metro area as required or needed.

• Meet regularly with owners and/or owner representatives to monitor project progress, discuss issues, and ensure the client is satisfied with Loeffler’s performance.

• Help resolve complex client concerns and project issues in a timely and professional manner. 

PROJECT LEADERSHIP AND OVERSIGHT

• Provide senior-level leadership and oversight for assigned projects from preconstruction through project closeout and warranty.

• Team selection and procurement: Manage the selection process for the design and construction teams by handling requests for proposals and evaluating bids. Reviews and manages contracts for all vendors on the project. Provide strategic guidance to project teams throughout the project lifecycle.

• Budget and schedule management: Develop a realistic master project schedule and budget. Review project performance and identify opportunities for improvement and increased profitability.

• Risk management: Maintain a high level of awareness of project status and proactively communicate significant issues to company leadership. Attend project reviews and provide leadership on significant project issues as needed.

OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE SERVICES

• Independent owner advisory: Serve as an independent advisor to select owner clients, distinct from Rockwise's construction delivery role, providing project oversight, budget, and schedule guidance in the owner's interest.

• Procurement on the owner's behalf: Lead RFP processes and evaluate proposals for design and construction teams when engaged directly by an owner and negotiate agreements that protect the owner's interests.

• Entitlement and claims review: Review change orders, claims, and contractor performance from the owner's perspective to safeguard the owner's budget and schedule.

• Business development for Owner's Rep services: Identify, pursue, and help grow engagement opportunities for Rockwise's Owner's Representative service line, distinct from traditional construction management pursuits.

COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION

• Central point of contact: Serve as the senior liaison between the owner and all project stakeholders, including contractors, architects, engineers, and financial institutions.

• Report progress: Provide the owner with regular, unbiased updates on project status, finances, and any emerging concerns. Escalate significant project or client concerns appropriately and proactively.

• Facilitate meetings: Lead and facilitate project meetings to ensure effective communication and alignment among all parties. Promote clear, consistent, and timely communication across project teams.

FINANCIAL AND CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

• Contract negotiation: Assist with contract negotiations and ensure project agreements protect Rockwise interests while supporting strong client relationships.

• Project Financial Health: Review project budgets, forecasts, commitments and financial performance with project team. Partner with accounting & finance as needed to monitor project financial performance and support company profitability.

• Change order management: Provide oversight and guidance related to change orders, claims, and other contractual matters.

• Document management: Organize and maintain all critical project documentation, such as contracts, permits, and change orders. 

QUALITY, SAFETY, AND RISK MANAGEMENT

• Quality assurance: Monitor project execution to ensure work complies with plans, specifications, contracts, applicable requirements, and Rockwise standards. Support project teams in addressing quality or safety concerns promptly.

• On-site inspections: Conduct regular site inspections to confirm compliance with design plans, contracts, building codes, and safety regulations.

• Risk Management: Maintain a proactive approach to risk management throughout the project lifecycle. Assist in acquiring all necessary permits and managing regulatory processes. Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability and continuous improvement across assigned projects.

CLOSEOUT AND CLIENT FOLLOW-THROUGH

• Move management: Help coordinate furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) and manage the owner's move-in process.

• Project closeout: Ensure project closeout procedures, documentation, final payments, and outstanding items are completed.

• Post-Project: Conduct or participate in post-project reviews to identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement.

• Warranty management: Help coordinate warranty issues and ensure client concerns are addressed promptly.

LEADERSHIP, MENTORSHIP, CULTURE, AND TEAM DEVELOPMENT

• Provide leadership, knowledge, and mentorship to Project team members.

• Promote collaboration, accountability, and team-oriented approach to project delivery.

• Assist in developing skills and best practices across organization.

• Participate in formal and informal professional development activities.

• Participate in interviewing and selection of key personnel as requested.

• Provide input into employee development, performance, promotion, and recognition decisions when appropriate.

• Lead by example and consistently demonstrate professionalism, integrity and respect.

• Support company initiatives designed to strengthen culture, retain talent, and grow business.

• Participate in company events, presentations, and all activities that promote the company’s reputation and relationships.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

• Company financial oversight: Partner with the President and accounting/finance to manage Rockwise's operating budget, financial forecasts, and profitability targets.

• Staffing and resourcing: Oversee staffing levels, project team assignments, and resource allocation across Rockwise's active project portfolio; participate in hiring decisions for operations personnel.

• Systems and process: Own Rockwise's operational systems (e.g., Procore, accounting and reporting tools) and lead process improvements across departments.

• Vendor and subcontractor relationships: Manage firm-level relationships with key vendors, subcontractors, and strategic partners.

• Company-wide safety program: Own Rockwise's safety program and policies across all projects and personnel, in addition to project-level safety oversight.

EDUCATION

Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, architecture, or a related field. Additional coursework in drafting and estimating preferred.

SKILLS, ABILITIES, COMPETENCIES, AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of eight (8) years of full in-charge project management experience required.

• Experience in Owner’s Representation or Owner’s Project Management preferred.

• Working knowledge of Procore is preferred.

• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning.

• Demonstrated experience in problem-solving and crisis management.

• Significant experience managing complex commercial construction projects from preconstruction to closeout.

• Experience leading project teams and mentoring.

• Experience with negotiated, design-build, construction management, or other relationship-based project delivery methods preferred.

• Experience managing business operations, budgets, or P&L for a professional services or construction firm preferred.

• Demonstrated interest in building or growing an Owner's Representative practice or service line.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• OSHA 30 Hour Certification. 

• Prefer LEED AP or equivalent.

• Prefer First Aid/CPR/AED Certification through Red Cross. 

• Prefer SWPPP Certification.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• A valid driver's license.

• Must possess a clean criminal background and pass a drug test.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical requirements listed here are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Position involves sitting for extended periods of time while working at a computer terminal. Employee must be able to communicate effectively in a typical office environment with a standard level of office noise. Occasional standing, bending, walking, and minor lifting are also required.

Employee may be required to visit construction jobsites, which may expose the employee to dirt, dust, uneven surfaces, outdoor weather conditions, and extreme temperatures. In addition, employee must be able to move around project sites. This includes climbing ladders, scaffolding, walking on uneven surfaces, walking long distances, and climbing stairs. Noise will typically be moderate.

Rockwise Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate solely on the basis of a person’s race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected class as consistent with applicable law.