Cost Controls Project Manager - Real Estate Development

Western Governors University • Salt Lake City, UT

2d • $109,900 - $170,400 • Onsite

About The Position

The Cost Controls Project Manager serves as WGU’s independent commercial and cost management lead for new campus construction. The position oversees project budgeting, cost planning, and financial performance throughout the project lifecycle; provides objective cost guidance; validates estimates; supports procurement decisions; and promotes financial discipline to protect project outcomes.

The role is based in office at WGU’s Salt Lake City, Utah headquarters. Relocation assistance is available for candidates who do not currently live within a 50-mile radius of Salt Lake City. Occasional travel of up to 20% is required, including attendance at designated company summits, typically one to two per year, and potentially conferences, company-location visits, and other business events.

This is a full-time, regular position classified as 40 standard weekly hours and eligible for bonuses and the benefits listed in the posting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience in lieu of the degree at the hiring manager’s discretion.
• At least 8 years of experience in quantity surveying, cost management, or commercial management.
• Experience supporting large-scale or complex development projects, such as commercial, institutional, higher education, or mixed-use projects.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including architects, engineers, contractors, and owners.
• Strong expertise in cost estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and commercial management.
• Ability to analyze complex financial and project data to support decision-making.
• Skill in contract evaluation, negotiation, and change management.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to identify risks and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to operate independently as a trusted advisor while collaborating across teams.
• Ability to travel occasionally, up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in owner-side cost management or advisory roles.
• Experience working on higher education or large campus development projects.
• Familiarity with integrated project delivery or complex procurement models.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and management of project budgets from early planning through completion.
• Establish and maintain detailed cost plans aligned with project scope, schedule, and risk.
• Validate and challenge estimates from architects, consultants, contractors, and third parties.
• Monitor budget performance and identify risks, variances, and savings opportunities.
• Prepare budget forecasts and cash flow projections.
• Provide cost modeling and estimating support throughout design development.
• Evaluate design alternatives and recommend cost-effective solutions.
• Lead value engineering while preserving design intent and project objectives.
• Conduct commercial and comparative analyses of design and procurement options.
• Assess cost impacts of scope changes, design revisions, and market conditions.
• Provide independent cost analysis to inform project decisions.
• Support procurement strategy development and package planning.
• Participate in consultant, contractor, and vendor selection.
• Review bid submissions and provide commercial analysis and recommendations.
• Evaluate contract pricing structures, contingencies, and key commercial terms.
• Support negotiations and contract award decisions.
• Evaluate change orders, claims, and contingency usage.
• Validate contractor cost proposals and supporting documentation.
• Monitor committed costs, forecast final costs, and track budget performance.
• Contribute to monthly and executive cost reporting.
• Provide independent commercial oversight throughout construction.
• Assess contractor claims and support negotiation and resolution of disputes.
• Identify cost, market, procurement, and commercial risks and develop mitigation strategies and contingency recommendations.
• Monitor escalation trends, labor availability, material pricing, and market conditions.
• Support broader project risk management efforts.
• Prepare executive-level cost reports and financial analyses.
• Present recommendations to project leadership and executive stakeholders.
• Maintain cost management standards, controls, and documentation.
• Support audits, governance reviews, and reporting requirements.
• Recommend budget approvals, contingency usage, and major financial decisions.

Benefits

• Eligible for bonuses.
• Medical, dental, vision, telehealth, and mental healthcare.
• Health savings account and flexible spending account.
• Basic and voluntary life insurance.
• Disability coverage.
• Accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity supplemental coverage.
• Legal and identity theft coverage.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Wellbeing program.
• Discounted WGU tuition.
• Flexible paid time off without accrual.
• Flexible paid sick time without accrual.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.
• Relocation assistance for candidates not currently located within a 50-mile radius of Salt Lake City.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager