Head of Cost & Estimating

About us

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society. We are proud to be ranked #11 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution. These include:

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• A 20% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A £5,000 car allowance to support your travel needs
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working

Our projects are designed to be environmentally and socially responsible and will offer you opportunities to learn and grow throughout the project cycle. As part of our team, you will benefit from a range of training and development programs, such as Project Management Qualifications (APM, APMG and MSP), leadership coaching and mentoring. We also support your achievement of professional accreditation and chartered status. We are here to help you in reaching your full potential and thriving in your career and beyond.

The role

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can bring your cost expertise/estimating knowledge, and experience of working on complex programmes or individual major projects to step into this newly created role? Does the thought of delivering a transformation programme for PMO and upskilling capability within the function excite you? If yes, then we have a fantastic opportunity for you at United Utilities (UU) as a Principal Cost and Estimating Lead.

As the Head of Profession and Subject Matter Expert you’ll spearhead the strategy and innovation behind our cost management process. You’ll lead a talented team, driving excellence within cost estimation and budgeting, while fostering a safe and conducive environment for team success. You’ll bring your excellent interpersonal skills and collaborative approach to shape the future of cost management and estimating processes.

We are excited to offer you a flexible and hybrid working model that lets you balance your work and life and enjoy the benefits of working with us wherever you are. In-person site attendance in Lingley Mere, Warrington is required three days per week to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, alongside some travel to other sites in the North West and flexible hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend sites more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the team, environment and your role.

United Utilities offer dynamic and long-lasting options that will help you grow professionally and personally and you will have the chance to enhance your skill, knowledge and experience in a supportive and collaborative environment. If you are passionate about making a positive difference for the North West of England and want to join us on our journey of transformation, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and become part of the UU family!

Key accountabilities

• Lead and inspire the Cost and Estimating team, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring adherence to organisational values and safety standards.
• Set/oversee the Cost and Estimating strategy, manage the interfaces between the Cost function and the key stakeholders and the supply chain.
• Define and implement processes and systems to control the cost baselines and budgets across a variety of commercial models and lifecycles.
• Accountable for robust project cost estimates support the programme Performance Management Baseline (PMB), and ensure alignment of CBS, WBS and OBS breakdown structure.
• Carry out independent assurance to projects and programmes and provide senior stakeholders feedback and support to apply corrective actions to ensure confidence in delivery and outturn.
• Define and monitor KPIs for performance against cost baselines and budgets.
• Support to shape, define and deliver the PMO continuous improvement agenda, to drive up performance across the overall Cost and Estimating Management function.

Skills & experience

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Extensive knowledge in Programme Controls/Cost Management/Estimating with experience gained from large, complex programmes or individual major projects of £500m plus.
• MAPM/ACostE or equivalent Project Management/Project Controls qualification.
• Thorough understanding of cost management and estimating techniques/systems.
• Ability to lead and build high performing teams.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage relationships at all levels and across all major functions to achieve success.

Other

We believe in empowering you to achieve your aspirations and dreams, both in your work and in your life. To help you achieve your goals, we offer a variety of voluntary benefits that you can select according to your needs and preferences.

• Onsite gym and physio lounge with instructor-led gym classes and dedicated physiotherapist, onsite childcare and nursery, free parking and EV charging points, dedicated multi-faith/prayer rooms and free bus service for UU colleagues - Warrington site only
• MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme