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.
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 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
- A relocation allowance of up to £8,000, subject to eligibility criteria
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.
The role
We have a great opportunity for a Senior Quantity Surveyor to join our team in Commercial. In this role, you will support the successful delivery of UU's business needs by providing a professional quantity surveying service, encompassing one or more of the core areas of procurement and contract management. This service is to be undertaken in accordance with high professional standards and business principles in compliance with regulatory and company procedures and policies.
You will engage with operational and senior stakeholders, supporting the alignment of business strategy and policy to deliver category plans, as well as ensuring contractual compliance and proactively managing contractor performance throughout the contract period ensuring optimum value for money for UU. The role requires the individual to work within a team environment and be competent at presenting data and outcomes to the Commercial Manager and UU Stakeholders.
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.
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 function by delivering projects within the category plan ensuring optimum value for money for UU, either individually, or as line manager of a quantity surveying team.
- Engage with operational and senior stakeholders; support the alignment of business strategy and policy to deliver category plans
- Ensure contractual compliance and proactively manage consultant performance throughout the contract period
- Managing the conflicting business priorities of various stakeholders
- Provide support and timely escalation to the Commercial Manager and/or Managing Quantity Surveyor.
- Proactively manage and mitigate commercial and business risk
- Ensure collaborative working across the commercial directorate
- Work collaboratively with the regulatory procurement team, to ensure delivery of compliant procurement.
- Accountable for contract administration throughout the project lifecycle
- Commercially manage a portfolio of Services contracts to ensure that they are delivered in accordance with the contracted terms and conditions and that all issues are mitigated and managed to protect UU commercial interests.
- Manage post-contract commercial processes and procedures to deliver key commercial requirements on projects. These will include early warning and change management; cost forecasting; payments; cost auditing and agreement of final accounts.
- Negotiate and resolve contract claims/disputes and support senior managers in the resolution of escalated issues
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
- Achieved or working towards chartered membership of a relevant institution (e.g. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
- Experience of managing large volumes of contracts including change management through to completion
- 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 of various programming/scheduling methodologies within the construction environment, and analytic skill in the assessment of same
- Knowledge and experience in the use of NEC suite of contracts
- Strong commercial negotiation and resolution skills