Rockwise Strategies Careers
Building a better career, together.
About Rockwise strategies
Rockwise Strategies is made up of a flexible team of committed professionals with deep experience navigating the ins and outs of construction projects. Specializing in Construction Cost Consulting and Owner’s Representation, our mission is to lend knowledge and fresh perspectives of the built environment, giving clients the confidence and clarity they need to create spaces that shape the way people live, work, and play.
We bring a genuine excitement and optimism to the way we interact with clients. Each member of our team contributes their unique strengths, confident in the leadership we’ve earned through dedication, experience, and results. Above all, we listen as much as we talk, guiding clients with “What if we tried this?” rather than “Our way is better.” Because a win for them is a win for everyone.
If this sounds like your pace, join us in building a better career, together.
Cost Consulting
With a future-focused picture of the construction landscape, we quickly deliver detailed and accurate estimates that help our clients understand what it will take to build their vision.
Owner’s Representation
With decades of experience in construction, our Owner’s Rep team serves as an advocate wherever our clients need specialized expertise, taking the lead to minimize risk and elevate quality standards.
-
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Cost Consultant I is responsible for performing detailed quantity take-offs and summation on assigned projects and supporting the Cost Consultant II and Senior Cost Consultant on multiple projects at a given time.
COST CONSULTANT I ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform detailed quantity take-offs and application of unit pricing to determine project budgets for all scopes contained within the Design Documents
Levels of design shall be Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents
Support Cost Consultant II and Senior Cost Consultant on multiple projects at a given time
Develop clear and organized estimates with sound basis
Develop Work Breakdown Structure and cost breakdowns by Construction Specification Institute Master Format or Uniformat
Develop project alternate estimates, unit pricing, value engineering estimates
Attend project meetings with architects, engineers, and the client along with a Cost Consultant II or Senior Cost Consultant
Internal cost database development, maintenance, updates
Internal project setup, document management, scheduling on active projects
Meet internal deadlines on assigned duties & responsibilities
Set goals for continued education, both internal and external, document progression and report to Senior Cost Consultant
EDUCATION
Requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction, Architecture, or related field
Additional course work in drafting and estimating preferred
SKILLS
Proficient with Construction Specification Institute Master Format (CSI) and Uniformat work breakdown structures
Have knowledge of construction means and methods, building types, and procurement methods
Able to perform thoughtful and accurate quantity take-offs, summarize data in a meaningful way
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, attention to details, and organizational skills
Self-starter with strong multi-tasking and follow-up skills
Good judgment, logic, and ability to learn new things quickly
Strong ability to read, analyze and interpret plans and specifications
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Travel to and from project meetings on a periodic basis, the majority of which are within the Twin Cities metro area
A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history is required
Must possess a clean criminal background and pass a drug test
-
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Cost Consultant II is responsible for performing detailed quantity take-offs for budget scope and develop timely sound estimates that include project alternatives, unit pricing, and value engineering. Attend project meetings with architects, engineers, and clients. Maintain critical client relationships as well as develop new business relationships.
COST CONSULTANT II ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide guidance and mentorship to Cost Consultant I for performance and development
Emulate and enforce company policies and procedures
Perform detailed quantity take-offs and application of unit pricing to determine project budgets for all scopes contained within the Design Documents
Levels of design shall be Pre-Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents
Support Senior Cost Consultant on multiple projects at a given time
Assign project responsibilities and timelines to Cost Consultant I
Develop clear and organized estimates with sound basis
Develop Work Breakdown Structures (WBS) and cost breakdowns by Construction Specification Institute Master Format (CSI) or Uniformat
Develop project alternate estimates, unit pricing, value engineering estimates
Prepare comparison analysis to previous estimates and develop a clear and concise message to explain the variances for project stakeholders
Participate in internal estimate review meetings
Attend project meetings with architects, engineers, and the client
Lead regular status meetings for all active projects
Responsible for assigned project financials, accounting, and reporting to Senior Cost Consultant
Maintain positive relationships with clients, develop new business with assigned clients
Perform historical cost data gathering and analysis for application to current project assignments
EDUCATION
Requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction, Architecture, or related field
3+ Years in cost consulting and/or estimating experience required
Additional course work in drafting and estimating preferred
SKILLS
Proficient with Construction Specification Institute Master Format (CSI) and Uniformat work breakdown structures
Have knowledge of construction means and methods, building types, and procurement methods
Able to perform thoughtful and accurate quantity take-offs, summarize data in a meaningful way
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, attention to details, and organizational skills
Self-starter with strong multi-tasking and follow-up skills
Good judgment, logic, and ability to learn new things quickly
Strong ability to read, analyze and interpret plans and specifications
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Travel to and from project meetings on a periodic basis, the majority of which are within the Twin Cities metro area
A valid driver’s license and acceptable driving history is required
Must possess a clean criminal background and pass a drug test
Participate in marketing and business development events outside of the office
-
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.
Open Positions
KEY
BENEFIT
OFFERINGS
Rockwise Strategies aims to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports our staff in all aspects of their life, from health and well-being to professional growth. We are committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.
