Estimator

Help shape the investments that keep millions of people supplied with essential services

At United Utilities, every investment decision we make helps deliver safe, reliable water and wastewater services for communities across the North West. As an Estimator, you'll play a key role in helping us make those decisions with confidence.

Working as part of our estimating team, you'll develop and assure cost estimates for a diverse range of capital projects. Using data, insight and collaboration, you'll help ensure investment plans are robust, evidence-based and deliver value for our customers and communities.

Whether your background is in estimating, project controls, engineering, commercial, quantity surveying, finance or another analytical field, we'd love to hear from you if you enjoy solving problems, working with data and influencing important business decisions.

What you'll do

Develop and manage project estimates

• Produce cost estimates for capital projects using Benchmark, Excel-based models and other estimating tools.
• Apply consistent estimating methods, cost assumptions and data structures.
• Take ownership of the accuracy, completeness and traceability of estimates within assigned projects.

Turn data into insight

• Use historical data, benchmarking information and project performance trends to inform cost estimates.
• Consider market conditions, inflation and productivity trends when developing estimates.
• Clearly document assumptions and ensure estimates are transparent and evidence-based.

Collaborate across the business

• Partner with colleagues across Engineering, Project Management, Finance, Commercial, Risk and PMO teams.
• Support reviews and assurance activities by explaining estimate assumptions and methodologies.
• Communicate risks, uncertainties, exclusions and confidence levels in a clear and accessible way.

Support quality and continuous improvement

• Help improve estimating databases, benchmarks and productivity information.
• Contribute to lessons learned and post-project reviews.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, tools and ways of working.

Governance and assurance

• Ensure estimates comply with company standards, governance requirements and audit expectations.
• Prepare supporting information for business cases and assurance reviews.
• Maintain excellent data quality, version control and documentation.

What we're looking for

We're more interested in your potential, analytical thinking and ability to learn than in matching every requirement exactly.

You'll be successful in this role if you have:

• Experience developing, reviewing or analysing costs, budgets, estimates or financial data.
• Strong Excel skills and confidence working with structured data.
• Excellent numerical and analytical abilities with great attention to detail.
• The ability to explain complex information clearly to a range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisation skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to challenge constructively.

You may also have

• Experience in utilities, construction, infrastructure, engineering, project controls, quantity surveying or commercial environments.
• Knowledge of estimating methodologies, cost breakdown structures or cost assurance processes.
• An HNC/HND, degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.

Why join us?

At United Utilities, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing your career in a supportive and inclusive environment.

We offer:

• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after four years, plus bank holidays
• Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution
• Up to 10.5% performance-related bonus
• Company-funded healthcare plan
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• A culture that values wellbeing, inclusion and continuous improvement

Why join us?

United Utilities serves the North West, delivering high-quality water and wastewater services that help communities thrive, support economic growth and protect the environment.

We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to succeed. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. If you're excited about this opportunity but your experience doesn't match every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you. Skills can be developed, and diverse perspectives make us stronger.