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 10.5% 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 wealth of cost management expertise coupled 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 Senior Cost Manager.
As a Senior Cost Manager you will be responsible for managing actual costs and forecasts across multiple projects alongside change control and creating/maintaining the project Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) and its alignment with Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Organisational Breakdown Structure (OBS).
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
- 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 establish and support robust cost control.
- Oversee and control commitment, journals, and accruals in partnership with the Project Manager.
- Analyse the impact of project trends and changes, facilitating timely 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 essential criteria:
- 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.
- 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.
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