Cost Intelligence Manager

Matchtech; England; Hybrid; GBP 66,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water service provider is seeking a Cost Intelligence Manager to establish a cost intelligence function within their Commercial team in Brighton. The chosen candidate will lead cost benchmarking, engage with stakeholders to challenge costs, and manage the current outsourced contract with a focus on in-sourcing services. The role requires a strong analytical mindset and proven contract management abilities. The salary ranges from £66k to £94k depending on experience, alongside generous benefits including a pension, annual leave, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Company and performance-related bonus

Generous pension up to 11% company contribution

25 days annual leave

Health Cash Plan

Competitive maternity leave and flexible return options

Qualifications

• Proven contract management ability with experience in managing outsourced services.
• Strong communication skills, capable of influencing decisions at a senior level.
• Ability to lead, influence, and manage multiple teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Establish a cost intelligence function within the organization.
• Lead cost assurance and benchmarking efforts to drive efficiencies.
• Manage the transition from outsourced services to in-house capabilities.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Commercially minded

Excellent cost management skills

Good negotiation skills

Education

Degree in quantity surveying or similar

MRICS or professional membership

Tools

Cost estimating and benchmarking software

Job description

Overview

Our Water company client is seeking a Cost Intelligence Manager to join their Commercial team in Falmer, Brighton on a permanent basis with hybrid working.

The role is accountable for establishing a cost intelligence function within our client. The role will lead cost benchmarking and estimating, assessing efficiency and identifying areas for improvement and challenge to the supply chain. They will work with internal and external stakeholders to challenge costs and provide advice to Directors and Investment Committee, particularly around cost efficiency and actions to achieve it. They will influence strategic planning and set out the methods for costing regulatory submissions, particularly PR24.

Additionally, the role will manage the current out-sourced contract over a period of up to three years with the aim of in-sourcing the service, achieving a 70 / 30 in-house / out-sourced service.

In business as usual the role will be accountable for managing a cost library of internal costs, access to third party benchmarking cost data and estimating costs for projects and programmes to support Strategic Asset Planning whilst challenging delivery and contractor costs to drive efficiency through our lifecycle process.

Essentials

2 days in client offices in Falmer, role will build out a team and physical presence during the week will be important

The ideal candidate will have the credibility / gravitas to be able to report to company Directors and CFO

Candidate will be analytical, commercially minded and able to articulate / report areas where our client can make long term cost savings from supply chain

Water sector experience is welcome but not essential

Responsibilities

Accountable for a cost estimating and benchmarking service to Strategic Asset Management and Delivery Teams

Lead on cost assurance and identification of areas of challenge to the supply chain working with Commercial Team, Asset Management and Capital Delivery to drive efficiencies through capital programme delivery. Engaging with suppliers and supporting teams to deliver these efficiencies

Lead on cost modelling and estimating for Price Reviews.

Demonstrate value for money is being achieved and provide evidenced in formation to various Regulators. Actively engage in the assurance of regulatory submissions.

Provision of Executive level reports on cost efficiency in capital delivery to Exec and Investment committees. Advise and provide constructive challenge to delivery costs.

Collaborate with other organisational functions on risks, issues and opportunities that may impact the Strategic Programme outcomes and benefits.

Own and make decisions to mitigate key risks, through challenging cost estimates from suppliers, designers and delivery team. Ensure Asset Management estimates are robust and realistic.

Build a team to deliver Cost Estimating and Cost Benchmarking functions and manage the transition

Develop a business case and plan the in-sourcing of our cost intelligence function to create a core capability

Implement cost estimating and benchmarking software to capture actual costs and estimate future costs of works. Own and manage cost modelling and benchmarking software.

Manage the residual 30% of outsourced contract work from large, complex and non-standard investments as well as peak demand required for Price Reviews

Lead the specification and procurement of a new cost intelligence contract to handle peaks of work and unusual and complex work on large schemes.

Skills / qualifications / experience

Degree in quantity surveying or similar

MRICS or professional membership ideal

Proven contract management ability

Water background ideal but open to construction, infra experience

Good negotiator - able to build relationships with supply chain

Provide cost intelligence advice to internal teams

Excellent cost management, estimating and benchmark skills.

A strategic and innovative thinker with the ability to create and deliver plans which align to the strategic priorities and tactical needs of the business

The role holder will be expert in cost management, estimating and benchmarking and be a credible leader when working with supply chain partners.

They must have a good knowledge of construction contracts and how work is costed.

The role holder will be experienced in managing out-sourced services.

The individual must have proven communication skills (both verbal and written) with the ability to influence and persuade strategic decisions at a senior level (including board level).

They will provide constructive challenge and advise to directors at Investment Committee in costs and efficiency opportunities.

The individual must have the ability to lead, influence and manage multiple teams (both direct and indirect) to ensure that the business plans are delivered.

They will engage with shareholders and regulators around cost efficiency in delivery of the programme.

The role holder will have the ability to set up a team from scratch; setting, directing and establishing ways of working.

Benefits

Salary range £66k-94k depending on experience level

Company and performance-related bonus

37 hours a week Monday to Friday (2 days in office mandatory as a minimum but hybrid working fine / flexible working considered)

Generous pension up to 11% company contribution

25 days annual leave

Life assurance equal to 4x salary

Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)

Health Cash Plan

Two paid volunteering days a year

Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options