At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost intelligence framework development and oversee investment planning.
- Company: Join Anglian Water, a leader in sustainable water management.
- Benefits: Up to £67,000 salary, flexible working, private healthcare, and generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape investment decisions and drive impactful change in the water sector.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field; strong cost modelling experience required.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 67000 £ per year.
Up to £67,000 (Depending on Skills & Experience) Permanent Full Time / 37 Hours (Flexible working opportunities available) Peterborough Double Matched Pension Scheme (up to 21% combined) Private Healthcare
We are looking for a Lead Strategic Cost Engineer to join Anglian Water's Cost Intelligence and Commercial Assurance function, leading the development of the cost intelligence framework that underpins major investment planning across the business. This is a strategic leadership role responsible for cost collection, governance, modelling, assurance and estimating services. You will lead the development, calibration and assurance of total expenditure, carbon and operational cost models, ensuring decision-makers have robust, transparent and defensible cost intelligence to support efficient, evidence-based investment planning.
What you'll be doing:
- Lead the design and continuous improvement of cost collection templates and governance processes
- Oversee quality assurance of cost submissions, ensuring alignment with SAP, cost models and business requirements
- Lead the development, verification and calibration of total expenditure, carbon and operational cost models
- Provide senior review and approval of investment and alternative estimates
- Own and maintain estimating service guidance, documentation, training materials and system support content
- Lead enhancements to the Cost Estimation System, ensuring updates are tested, documented and communicated
- Analyse investment plan data to identify delivery efficiencies and cost performance opportunities
- Support regulatory submissions and evidence packs through robust analysis, benchmarking and cost insight
- Coach, guide and develop team members, building cost intelligence capability across the function
What we're looking for:
- Degree level qualification or equivalent experience in engineering, quantity surveying, mathematics or a related technical discipline
- Proven experience estimating large programmes of work using structured cost models
- Strong experience in cost modelling, cost collection, benchmarking or investment planning
- Experience working in a regulated environment, including exposure to price review or regulatory evidence
- Strong understanding of infrastructure assets and the impact of investment and operational decisions
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with confidence challenging and influencing across multiple teams
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills with excellent attention to detail
- Ability to lead others, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure
Desirable:
- Chartered or working towards chartership with a relevant professional body such as RICS.
- Experience in water, wastewater, utilities, embodied carbon modelling, system governance or regulatory cost assurance.
Why join Anglian Water?
At Anglian Water, cost intelligence is central to how we plan and deliver investment for customers, communities and the environment. In this role, you will lead a key capability that shapes investment decisions, strengthens regulatory submissions and improves how the business captures, models and benchmarks cost performance. You will influence senior stakeholders, develop technical capability in the team and help embed a culture of transparent, data-driven cost management.
Benefits:
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with length of service)
- Flexible working options
- Private health care
- Competitive pension scheme - Anglian Water double-matches contributions up to 7%
- Life assurance at eight times your salary
- Annual bonus
- Potential funded car allowance depending on evidenced business mileage
- Personal medical assessments
- Virtual GP service
- Cancer screening
- Financial wellbeing support and salary finance benefits
- Lifestyle savings including discounts on retail, travel and utilities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Volunteer days
Inclusion at Anglian Water:
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We are proud signatories of the Social Mobility Pledge, Race at Work Charter and Armed Forces Covenant, and we are a Disability Confident employer.
Closing Date: 9th August 2026
Lead Strategic Cost Engineer in Peterborough employer: Anglian Water Services
Anglian Water Services is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the heart of Peterborough. Employees benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to impactful environmental projects that shape the future of water management. Join a team that values collaboration with international experts and fosters a supportive environment for personal and career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Strategic Cost Engineer in Peterborough
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Lead Strategic Cost Engineer role you’re after at Anglian Water Services.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Anglian Water Services.
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We think you need these skills to ace Lead Strategic Cost Engineer in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Lead Strategic Cost Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Anglian Water Services a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Anglian Water Services specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglian Water Services
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Anglian Water Services, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Anglian Water Services want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
