Role Summary:

At United Utilities we are delivering one of the largest capital investment programmes in the UK, delivering billions of pounds of investment to support the improvement of our water network across the northwest. We are seeking an exceptional Head of Cost Management to establish and lead the cost management profession across our capital delivery portfolio.

Reporting to the Head of PMO, you will define the cost management strategy, establish industry-leading governance, forecasting and assurance practices, and provide confidence to executive leadership that our investment programmes are being delivered efficiently, transparently and with clear control of cost outcomes.

This is a rare opportunity to be involved in a high value, complex portfolio and to help shape best practice cost management across AMP8 and beyond.

Main responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy

• Act as the Head of Profession for Cost Management, setting the vision, standards and strategy for cost management across the Capital Programme to ensure delivery of the UU vision.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, ensuring the capability, capacity and culture required to support successful programme delivery.
• Champion safety, collaboration, continuous improvement and professional excellence across the function.

Cost Management & Governance

• Establish and maintain cost management standards and controls that align with industry best practice and UU objectives.
• Ensure robust cost estimates, baselines, budgets and forecasts are in place to support the programme Performance Management Baseline (PMB).

• Maintain alignment between estimating structures, CBS, WBS and OBS to provide a consistent performance management framework.

• Ensure a consistent approach to cost, forecasting and estimating data and inputs is maintained across the programmes.
• Engage with the project teams and the supply chain to ensure the quality of the cost data and inputs. Support and coach the supply chain on UU process and requirements for cost submissions.

Performance, Reporting & Assurance

• Provide independent assurance of programme cost performance, forecast outturn positions and budgetary control.
• Define and monitor key cost performance indicators, driving transparency, accountability and improved forecasting accuracy.
• Deliver clear and insightful reporting to the Head of PMO, Senior Leadership Team and wider UU governance forums.
• Lead assurance reviews and challenge project teams to ensure compliance with agreed standards and confidence in delivery outcomes.

Stakeholder & Supply Chain Management

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the quality and consistency of cost information.
• Provide expert advice, support and challenge to improve cost performance and decision-making across the portfolio.
• Act as the senior escalation point for significant cost management issues.

Capability & Continuous Improvement

• Lead resource planning, recruitment and professional development within the Cost Management function.
• Drive adoption of digital tools, analytics and industry best practice to improve cost management capability and insight.
• Operate communities of practice, benchmarking and continuous improvement initiatives to raise performance across Cost Management and Project Controls.
• Engage with cross functional teams (inclusive of senior management) to ensure that continuous improvement activity is undertaken.

• Identify and develop cost management training​ for team members.

Skills, qualifications and experience:

Essential Experience

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline.  Or equivalent relevant experience Significant leadership experience within Cost Management, Project Controls or Programme Controls environment.
• Proven experience delivering infrastructure, utilities or major capital programmes.
• Experience developing forecasting, cost assurance and performance management frameworks.
• Strong understanding of cost estimating, budgeting and change management.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and executive leadership teams.
• Experience leading teams and developing professional capability.

Desirable

• Utilities, infrastructure, transportation, energy or engineering sector experience.
• Earned Value Management expertise.
• NEC contract environment experience.
• APM, RICS, ACostE or equivalent professional qualification.

About us:

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a more prosperous, greener and healthier Northwest 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 #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List.  We promote a workplace culture where our people can grow, excel, and truly be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values, and business model to fulfil our mission. By setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable, long-term value for our colleagues, customers, and communities. Whether you collaborate with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation. 

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving 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 £5,000 car allowance to support your travel needs
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working