Senior Estimator

Help shape major investments that make a difference

At United Utilities, we're investing in the infrastructure that supports millions of people across the North West. As a Senior Estimator, you'll play a vital role in helping us make informed investment decisions by providing trusted cost insight across a diverse portfolio of capital projects.

This is an opportunity to combine technical expertise, commercial awareness and strategic thinking to influence decisions that deliver long-term value for our customers, communities and the environment.

Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, you'll lead the development and assurance of robust cost estimates, ensuring investment proposals are accurate, transparent and evidence-based throughout the project lifecycle.

What you'll do

Lead estimating excellence

• Develop, review and assure cost estimates from early project concepts through to delivery.
• Apply consistent estimating approaches, cost norms and data structures that support project governance and decision-making.
• Produce high-quality estimates using Benchmark, Excel-based models and other estimating tools.
• Take ownership of estimate quality, accuracy and traceability across assigned projects and programmes.

Use data to drive better decisions

• Draw on historical performance, benchmarking information and lessons learned to improve estimating accuracy.
• Monitor market conditions, inflation trends and industry insights to ensure estimates remain realistic and relevant.
• Develop transparent assumptions that are supported by evidence and clearly documented.
• Provide meaningful cost insight that helps stakeholders understand risks, opportunities and confidence levels.

Collaborate and influence

• Partner with colleagues across Engineering, Project Management, Finance, Commercial, Risk and PMO teams.
• Lead discussions around project scope, quantities, delivery strategies and cost assumptions.
• Support gateway reviews, investment approvals and business case development.
• Communicate complex cost information clearly and confidently to a broad range of stakeholders.

Champion assurance and governance

• Lead technical reviews of estimates at key project and investment stages.
• Ensure compliance with estimating standards, governance frameworks and audit requirements.
• Maintain high standards of data quality, version control and documentation.
• Support continuous improvement activities arising from assurance reviews and audits.

Develop capability and continuous improvement

• Share knowledge and provide coaching and informal mentoring to colleagues within the estimating team.
• Help improve estimating tools, processes, benchmark data and reporting approaches.
• Contribute to post-project reviews and lessons learned activities that strengthen future performance.
• Support the ongoing development of estimating best practice across the organisation.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who combines analytical rigour with strong collaboration and communication skills.

You may already be working as a Senior Estimator, or you may have developed similar expertise through project controls, quantity surveying, engineering, commercial management, construction, infrastructure or other capital project environments.

You'll likely bring:

• Experience developing, reviewing or assuring complex cost estimates or investment proposals.
• Strong analytical skills and confidence working with cost, commercial or financial data.
• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to interpret complex datasets and models.
• The ability to influence and challenge constructively while building positive working relationships.
• Strong communication skills and confidence presenting information to stakeholders at different levels.
• A proactive approach to problem solving, continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

It would be beneficial if you also have

• Experience within utilities, infrastructure, construction, engineering or related sectors.
• Knowledge of estimating methodologies, cost breakdown structures and assurance processes.
• Experience using Benchmark or similar estimating systems.
• Professional membership (or working towards membership) of ACostE, RICS, ICE or a related professional body.
• A degree, HNC/HND or equivalent professional experience in a relevant discipline.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to help deliver some of the North West's most important infrastructure investments while continuing to grow your own career.

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
• Career development and learning opportunities
• A supportive and inclusive culture where your contribution is valued

The chance to influence investments that benefit millions of customers and the environment.

About United Utilities

United Utilities provides water and wastewater services to millions of people across the North West. Every day, we help protect public health, support economic growth and care for the environment.

We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to thrive. We know that diverse teams bring broader perspectives, stronger ideas and better outcomes.

If you're excited by this opportunity but don't meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Experience comes in many forms, and we'd love to hear about the skills, perspectives and potential you could bring to our team