Real Estate Development Cost Manager

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career. Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is: Grade: Professional 312 Pay Range: $109,900.00 - $170,400.00 Job Description The Real Estate Development 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 Cost Manager provides objective cost guidance, validates estimates, supports procurement decisions, and ensures strong financial discipline to protect project outcomes. *This position will be working in office out of our Salt Lake City, Utah headquarters. Relocation Assistance will be provided for those not currently located in a 50 mile radius of Salt Lake.   Primary Responsibilities Cost Planning & Budget Management 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. Design Phase Cost Management 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. Procurement & Contract Support 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. Construction Phase Commercial Management 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. Risk Management 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. Reporting & Governance 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. This job description includes a general representation of job requirements rather than a comprehensive inventory of all required responsibilities or work activities.  The contents of this document or related job requirements may change at any time with or without notice. Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 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 Education Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Finance, or a related field Experience 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 Additional Requirements Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities Ability to operate independently as a trusted advisor while collaborating across teams Experience in lieu of education Equivalent relevant experience performing the essential functions of this job may substitute for education degree requirement