senior cost manager

The Role:

As a Senior Cost Manager, you will play a key role in leading the cost management process across a portfolio of multiple complex projects, driving both strategic and operational financial performance. You’ll be responsible for oversight of actual costs and forecasts, as well as budgets and their change control. Our Senior Cost manager will oversee the setting up/maintaining of the project Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) and its alignment with Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Organisational Breakdown Structure (OBS).

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the delivery of cost management function by demonstrating the required behaviours to promote the UU vision and its values, to recognised standards in a timely manner.
• Engage with other key discipline leads – risk, planning, controls etc. to identify areas for improved collaboration and optimisation.
• Responsible for creating and maintaining the projects’ CBS and its alignment with WBS and OBS.
• Engage with the matrixed PMO teams, as well as the delivery teams and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) in order to establish and support cost control.
• Monitor and control of commitment, journals and accruals in conjunction with the Project Manager
• Assessment of impact of trends and change, ensuring agreed change to the baseline is implemented in a timely manner
• Engage with the Commercial and Estimating teams on maintaining the compensation events and early warnings processes.
• Establish a robust forecasting process and ensure regular reviews with all contributing parties that make up the overall WBS
• Establish and support a robust process of Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting for cost and support the project teams in line with the EVM processes and its proportionate application
• Support the project teams with actual cost and budgetary reporting, as well as cost forecast reporting and reporting against the baseline.
• Support risk analysis/assessment and participate in the Quantitative Cost Risk Analysis (QCRA) process.
• Keep to date with the relevant industry trends, benchmarks, inflation rates, etc.
• Support the Cost Management to deliver key strategic outcomes and KPI’s.
• Manage a Project Controls Team, providing guidance on Cost and Planning, giving direction, coaching and performance management.
• Works collaboratively with the Project Controls team, Project Managers, Commercial and Senior Stakeholders within UU.

About You:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Or equivalent relevant experience.
• MAPM ACostE or equivalent PM/ Project controls qualification
• Substantial experience in Cost Management or Project Controls / Programme Delivery
• Very strong understanding of cost management techniques.
• Highly conversant with Cost Management systems such as all Microsoft Packages, ability to use Excel to a high standard.
• In-depth knowledge of P6 (Primavera).
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build and manage relationships at all levels within the organisation and across all major functions to achieve divisional / company objectives.
• Strong financial awareness, with the ability to organise and map large information sets.
• Ability to constructively challenge stakeholders, colleagues and senior management, take a proactive view and encourage process innovation and new thinking in the way we drive PMO forward.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to “deep dive” into situations.

Why Join Us?

• 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 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working

About UU:

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a more prosperous, greener and healthier North West 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.

Apply Today!

If you’re passionate about cost management and want to be part of a team that’s helping to build a sustainable future, apply today! We look forward to hearing from you.