Quantity Surveyor, Cost Manager - Real Estate Development

Western Governors University•Salt Lake City, UT

52d•$109,900 - $170,400•Hybrid

About The Position

The Quantity Surveyor, Cost Manager serves as WGU's independent commercial and cost management lead for our new campus construction. This role is responsible for overseeing project budgeting, cost planning, and financial performance throughout the full project lifecycle. The Quantity Surveyor provides objective cost guidance, validates estimates, supports procurement decisions, and ensures strong financial discipline to protect project outcomes.

Requirements

Strong expertise in cost estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and commercial management
Ability to analyze complex financial and project data to support decision-making
Skilled in contract evaluation, negotiation, and change management
Strong communication skills with the ability to present to senior stakeholders
Ability to identify risks and translate insights into actionable recommendations
Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Finance, or a related field
8+ years of experience in quantity surveying, cost management, or commercial management
Experience supporting large-scale or complex development projects (e.g., commercial, institutional, higher education, mixed-use)
Experience working with cross-functional teams including architects, engineers, contractors, and owners
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities
Ability to operate independently as a trusted advisor while collaborating across teams
Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirements. Generally, equivalent relevant experience is defined as 1 year of experience for 1 year of education and is at the discretion of the hiring manager.

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 to scope, schedule, and risk.
Validate and challenge estimates from architects, consultants, contractors, and third parties.
Monitor budget performance, identifying 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 efforts 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 key 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.
Develop mitigation strategies and recommend contingency approaches.
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.
Provide recommendations on budget approvals, contingency usage, and major financial decisions.