Job DescriptionThe 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.
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.
QualificationsKnowledge, 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
EducationBachelor'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 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 Qualifications- 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
TravelThis 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 requirements
Position & 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.
