Who we are.
Here at United Utilities our mission is to deliver high-quality water for a more prosperous, 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 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.
United Utilities is 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. 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 and to belong to.
The role
Are you an experienced Quantity Surveyor with a background in Repair and Maintenance, delivering high volume, low-value outcomes? If so, United Utilities (UU) has an exciting opportunity for you to join our Networks Maintenance Services (NMS) team in Warrington.
As the NMS Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will support Maintenance teams across Clean and Waste Water Networks. Your role involves assisting the Commercial Manager, working closely with other NMS Senior Quantity Surveyors and Network Business Managers.
Your responsibilities include supporting the Commercial Manager in the commercial management and validation of approximately 1200 works orders per week, which are delivered through our NMS Partners. The goal is to ensure compliance with contractual entitlements and deliver value for money by reviewing and validating completed works orders.
To succeed in this role, you'll need an analytical approach, proficiency in MS Excel (including VLookup, Pivot Tables, and Graphs), and familiarity with an environment that handles large volume, low-value works. You'll collaborate within a team and be skilled at presenting data and outcomes to the Commercial Manager and UU Stakeholders
We champion flexible ways of working. In-person attendanc.e 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
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!
Main Responsibilities
- To deliver or support the Commercial Manager to ensure compliance, validation and accurate reporting of Commercial data is delivered in support of the Network Maintenance Service contracts.
- Engage with operational and senior stakeholders ensuring all Commercial requirements are managed in line with Commercial process as set out by the Commercial Manager.
- Provide leadership to the NMS Commercial team and provide support and timely escalation to the Commercial Manager and/or Business Delivery Manager
- Manage the NMS team to ensure contractual compliance and proactively manage contractor performance throughout the contract period
- Manage post-contract commercial processes and procedures, including change management; cost forecasting; payments; cost auditing and agreement of final accounts.
- Produce and maintain quality commercial / contractual data
- Provide commercial expertise and guidance
- Proactively manage and mitigate commercial and business risk
- Negotiate and resolve contract claims/disputes and support senior managers in the resolution of escalated issues
- Establish and maintain appropriate contract and supplier relationship management
- Chair the Commercial Performance meetings with the relevant Partner
- Ensure collaborative working across the commercial directorate
- Work collaboratively with the regulatory procurement team, to ensure compliance with Regulatory Procurement rules.
- Managing the conflicting business priorities of various stakeholders
- Manage and mentor the junior members of the NMS team.
About you
We are looking for candidates that meet the following criteria:
- Quantity Surveying degree or equivalent ; alternatively sufficient relevant experience to support the requirements of the RICS Professional Experience Route.
- Experience of managing the commercial function within a Repair and Maintenance setting delivering high volume low value outcomes
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft functions including but not limited to MS Excel, MS Word, MS Powerpoint
- Knowledge of key quantity surveying processes, tools and methodologies used across the whole project life-cycle
- Knowledge and experience in the use of NEC suite of contracts
- Strong commercial negotiation and resolution skills
- Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders
- Full driving license
We are excited to offer you a flexible and hybrid working model that lets you balance your work and life. You can choose to work from our main sites close to Warrington, Manchester, Liverpool, Preston and Kendal, or from any of our other hubs across Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria. We want you to enjoy the benefits of working with us wherever you are.