Cost Manager (Senior Cost Engineer) - Reed Talent Solutions : Job Details

Organisation: United Utilities

Job Title: Senior Cost Manager - to be advertised externally as Cost Manager (Senior Cost Engineer)Band / Level: 4aWorking Pattern: Full timeContract Type: PermanentLocation: Warrington

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 #4 in TheInclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. ?We promote a workplace culture where our people can grow, excel, and truly be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values, and business model to fulfil our mission. By setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable, long-term value for our colleagues, customers, and communities. Whether you collaborate with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving 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

• Up to10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements

• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme

At UU, we champion flexible ways of working. In-person attendance is required three days per week to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

Our projects are designed to be environmentally and socially responsible and will offer you opportunities to develop. It’s an exciting time to become a part of our overall PMO structure as our capital programme increases significantly over the next five years. 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.

The role

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can utilise your wealth of cost management expertisecoupled with your experience of supporting on complex projects and/or programmes? If yes, then we have a brilliant opportunity for you at United Utilities (UU) as a Cost Manager.

As a Cost Manager (Senior Cost Engineer) you will be responsible for managing actual costs and forecasts across multiple projects alongside change control and creating/maintainingthe project Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) and its alignment with Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Organisational Breakdown Structure (OBS). You will also have line management responsibilities of at least one Cost Engineer.

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 attendance is required three days per week at our Lingley Mere Warringto site to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

Key accountabilities?

• Create and manage the project’s Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS), ensuring its alignment with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Organisational Breakdown Structure (OBS).

• Collaborate with PMO teams, delivery teams, and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to establishand support robust cost control.

• Oversee and control commitment, journals, and accruals in partnership with the Project Manager, utilising our corporate systems.

• Analyse the impact of project trends and changes, facilitatingtimely updates to the project baseline.

• Implement a solid forecasting process and conduct regular reviews with contributors to the overall WBS.

• Establish and maintain Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting for cost and support the relevant project management teams in line with EVM process.

• Support project teams with actual cost and budgetary reporting, cost forecast reporting, and tracking against the project baseline.

Skills & experience

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

• Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience.

• Extensive experience in Cost Management, Project Controls, or Programme Delivery.

• Excellent knowledge of cost management techniques and proficiency with cost management systems(SAP and Primavera P6).

• Great interpersonal skills for relationship building and collaboration across all organisational levels and functions.

• Proven track record of implementing system and process enhancements to boost technical capabilities within a team.

• Good financial acumen and the ability to manage and interpret large data sets.

• Confident in constructively challenging stakeholders and promoting innovation and new strategies to drive PMO forward.

• MAPM, ACostE, or a comparable qualification in Project Management or Project Controls.