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 312Pay Range: $109,900.00 - $170,400.00Job DescriptionThe 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 ManagementLead 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 ManagementProvide 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 SupportSupport 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 ManagementEvaluate 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 ManagementIdentify 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 & GovernancePrepare 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.QualificationsKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesStrong expertise in cost estimating, budgeting, forecasting, and commercial managementAbility to analyze complex financial and project data to support decision-makingSkilled in contract evaluation, negotiation, and change managementStrong communication skills with the ability to present to senior stakeholdersAbility to identify risks and translate insights into actionable recommendationsEducationBachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Finance, or a related fieldExperience8+ years of experience in quantity surveying, cost management, or commercial managementExperience 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 ownersAdditional RequirementsStrong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilitiesAbility to operate independently as a trusted advisor while collaborating across teamsExperience in lieu of educationEquivalent 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.Preferred QualificationsExperience in owner-side cost management or advisory rolesExperience working on higher education or large campus development projectsFamiliarity with integrated project delivery or complex procurement modelsTravelThis position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirementsPosition & Application DetailsFull-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is 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 coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.Additional InformationDisclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive. Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at View email address on click.appcast.io Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.SummaryLocation: Salt Lake City, UTType: Full time