Cost Engineer

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a stronger, 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.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution. These include:

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

At UU, we champion flexible ways of working. In-person attendance is required three days per week to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

The Role

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can utilise your cost management expertise coupled with your experience of supporting on complex projects and/or programmes? If yes, then we have a fantastic opportunity for you at United Utilities (UU) as a Cost Engineer.

As a Cost Engineer you will be responsible for managing costs and forecasts on a wide variety of projects in your delivery area. You’ll be working in a positive and supportive team environment, engaging with many areas of the business.

We are excited to offer you a flexible and hybrid working model that lets you balance your work and life and enjoy the benefits of working with us wherever you are. In-person attendance is required three days per week at our Lingley Mere, Warrington site to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration, alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

Key accountabilities

• Engage with key discipline leads such as risk, planning, and controls to enhance collaboration and optimise project execution.
• Maintain cost and budget management processes, ensuring they align with the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Organisational Breakdown Structure (OBS), and provide analysis on any budget variances.
• Support the delivery team in cost control and manage commitments, journals, and accruals in coordination with the Project Manager.
• Analyse the impact of trends and changes, ensuring any agreed modifications to the project baseline are implemented promptly.
• Conduct Earned Value Management (EVM) reporting for cost, review EVM metrics, and analyse performance trends.
• Maintain actual cost and budgetary reporting, maintain cost forecast reports, and reporting against the project baseline.

Skills & experience
To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven expertise in Cost Management or Project Controls/Programme Delivery.
• Good understanding of cost management techniques and proficiency with cost management systems.
• Great financial awareness with the ability to organise and interpret large data sets.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to foster relationships at all organisational levels and functions with the ability to positively challenge stakeholders where necessary to ensure data integrity.
• Innovative problem-solver with a proactive approach to identifying issues, voicing concerns, proposing solutions, and embracing change.
• MAPM/ACostE or an equivalent qualification in Project Management and/or Project Controls is highly desirable but not essential

Benefits

We believe in empowering you to achieve your aspirations and dreams, both in your work and in your life. To help you achieve your goals, we offer a variety of voluntary benefits that you can select according to your needs and preferences.

• Onsite gym and physio lounge with instructor-led gym classes and dedicated physiotherapist, onsite childcare and nursery, free parking and EV charging points, dedicated multi-faith/prayer rooms and free bus service for UU colleagues - Warrington only
• MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes