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 uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.
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 7.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- 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 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 cost management expertise coupled with your experience of supporting on complex projects and/or programmes? If yes, then we have a fantastic opportunity for you at United Utilities (UU) as a Cost Manager.
As a Cost Manager you will be responsible for managing costs and forecasts on a wide variety of projects in your delivery area. You'll be working in a positive and supportive team environment, engaging with many areas of the business.
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, Warrington 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
- Engage with key discipline leads such as risk, planning, and controls to enhance collaboration and optimise project execution.
- Maintain cost and budget management processes, ensuring they align with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Organisational Breakdown Structure (OBS), and provide analysis on any budget variances.
- Support the delivery team in cost control and manage commitments, journals, and accruals in coordination with the Project Manager.
- Analyse the impact of trends and changes, ensuring any agreed modifications to the project baseline are implemented promptly.
- Conduct Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting for cost, review EVM metrics, and analyse performance trends.
- Maintain actual cost and budgetary reporting, maintain cost forecast reports, and reporting against the project baseline.
Skills & experience
To be successful with your application, you'll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:
- Degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.
- Proven expertise in Cost Management or Project Controls/Programme Delivery.
- Good understanding of cost management techniques and proficiency with cost management systems.
- Great financial awareness with the ability to organise and interpret large data sets.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to foster relationships at all organisational levels and functions with the ability to positively challenge stakeholders where necessary to ensure data integrity.
- Innovative problem-solver with a proactive approach to identifying issues, voicing concerns, proposing solutions, and embracing change.
- MAPM/ACostE or an equivalent qualification in Project Management and/or Project Controls is highly desirable but not essential.
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 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
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Mental health first aiders
- ShareBuy
- MORE Choices flexible benefits
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
- You may be entitled to relocation expenses of up to £8,000 for this position. This will depend on the outcome of an eligibility check