Job Description

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.

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.