Cost Manager

Job Description

United Utilities is recruiting a Cost Manager to join our Wastewater Project Control Team on a permanent basis. Sitting within our Capital Delivery function, this role plays a key part in supporting the delivery of our regulatory commitments across the North West.

Working closely with our project management teams, you will be responsible for providing robust cost management and financial control across a portfolio of low to medium value wastewater projects. Reporting to the Senior Cost Manager, the role is focused on hands-on cost management rather than line management, giving you the opportunity to build trusted relationships, influence decision making, and take real ownership of your work.

You will join a collaborative and supportive team with a broad mix of experience, from apprentices at the start of their careers to colleagues with over 20 years at United Utilities. The environment encourages autonomy and independent thinking, trusting individuals to manage their own workload, prioritise effectively and take action, while working within a team that genuinely supports and learns from one another.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage project costs, budgets and forecasts across a varied portfolio of wastewater projects, taking ownership of your work and ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout the project lifecycle
• Work closely with Planning, Risk, Controls and Project Managers, using strong communication skills to provide clear, reliable and joined up cost data that supports decision making
• Take responsibility for core cost control activities including commitments, journals and accruals, managing your own workload and priorities to meet deadlines
• Analyse cost change and variance, presenting clear insights to stakeholders and proactively identifying risks, impacts and opportunities against agreed project baselines
• Review, agree and implement approved changes to project baselines in a timely and well considered manner, demonstrating sound judgement and the confidence to see actions through

Technical Skills & Experiences

• Strong technical capability in cost management, project controls or programme delivery, with the ability to work independently and apply sound professional judgement
• Confident and effective communicator, comfortable engaging with stakeholders, Project Managers and wider delivery teams and presenting clear, meaningful information
• Proactive and solutions focused, with a strong work ethic and the confidence to solve problems, propose improvements and execute actions without constant direction
• Team orientated and collaborative, able to work autonomously while recognising the value of shared learning, support and collective success

Qualifications

Essential:

• Degree level education or equivalent professional experience

Desirable:

• APM or PMI professional qualifications
• Knowledge of NEC4 contract management
• Experience of SAP and Excel
• Experience using Primavera P6

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to be part of a team that sits at the heart of capital delivery, supporting essential wastewater infrastructure for millions of people across the North West. The Wastewater Project Control Team works closely with project management colleagues, helping to navigate complexity, manage risk and keep delivery on track in line with our regulatory commitments.

You will join a team with a breadth of experience and a culture that values trust, support and practical decision making. People are encouraged to do the right thing rather than waiting for perfection, and to take ownership while knowing they have the backing of colleagues and managers who are invested in their success. There are genuine opportunities to learn on the job, develop your skills through formal training, and take on new challenges as your confidence and capability grow.

Our PMO vision is to act as the intelligent Sat Nav for our capital projects and programmes, providing clarity, insight and direction so teams can make informed decisions at the right time.

Benefits:

• 26 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after four years) plus 8 bank holidays
• Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution and life cover
• Up to 7.5% performance related bonus and recognition awards
• Company funded healthcare plan
• MyGymDiscounts – savings on gyms and digital fitness
• Access to Best Doctors, Salary Finance and Wealth at Work
• Retail deals and discounts
• EVolve car scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy scheme
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave

If you are a Cost Manager who enjoys ownership, collaboration and making a real impact through insight and delivery, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of wastewater delivery at United Utilities.