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 looking for a new challenge? As a Managing Quantity Surveyor at United Utilities, you will support the successful delivery of our business needs by providing a professional quantity surveying service. This role encompasses core areas of procurement and contract management, ensuring high professional standards and compliance with regulatory and company procedures and policies. You will support the Network Commercial Business Manager and the wider team across Reactive & Maintenance, Managed Service Provider, Non-Core, and Developer Services & Metering. 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 flexible hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarize yourself with the site, the team, and your role.
Responsibilities:
- Support the development and delivery of category plans to ensure optimum value for money.
- Manage senior stakeholder relationships to align business strategy and policy with category plans.
- Embed strong commercial governance throughout the project lifecycle by influencing senior stakeholders.
- Drive innovation and value for money through continuous development of the commercial function, including best practices in contract assurance and supplier relationship management.
- Manage conflicting business priorities of various stakeholders.
- Provide support and timely escalation to the Commercial Business Manager, Indirects teams, and Senior Quantity Surveyors.
- Ensure compliance with business strategy and policy, and proactively manage commercial and business risks.
- Produce and maintain quality commercial/contractual data and manage commercial processes to ensure continuous improvement in contractor performance.
- Foster collaborative working across the commercial directorate and with key stakeholders to evolve commercial strategy and integrate improvements.
- Act as the first point of escalation for contractual issues and support performance management of team members.
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
- Significant relevant experience post degree qualification
- A demonstrable track record of managing a team providing commercial capability ability to successfully lead and develop a diverse and at times geographically dispersed team.
- Strong impact and influencing skills and ability to engage with senior managers and other key stakeholders in a meaningful way so that they buy in to new approaches to commercial management.
- Strong commercial negotiation and resolution skills.
- Must have knowledge of techniques for implementing commercial agreements in a complex and rapidly changing environment.
- Demonstrable track record in continuous improvement techniques and development of processes and procedures to support the Contract Assurance model to improve cost to serve.
- Must have experience of SRM and Contract Management.
- Chartered membership of a relevant institution (e.g. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Institution of Civil Engineers or equivalent)
Why work for us:
We've got a lot to offer. You'll join 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 comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
- A car allowance
We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.