Head of Cost Management – Capital Projects

United Utilities; Warrington; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Pension contribution up to 14%

Bonus scheme

Car allowance

Healthcare plan

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking a Head of Cost Management to establish and lead the cost management function across our capital delivery portfolio. You will define strategy, governance, forecasting and assurance to ensure transparent, controlled cost outcomes.

Reporting to the Head of PMO, you will build and lead a high-performing team, champion continuous improvement and ensure robust cost data and performance management across AMP8 and beyond.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Significant leadership experience within Cost Management, Project Controls or Programme Controls environment.
• Experience developing forecasting, cost assurance and performance management frameworks.
• Strong understanding of cost estimating, budgeting and change management.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and executive leadership teams.
• Experience leading teams and developing professional capability.
• Utilities, infrastructure, transportation, energy or engineering sector experience.
• Earned Value Management expertise.
• APM, RICS, ACostE or equivalent professional qualification.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Head of Profession for Cost Management, setting the vision, standards and strategy for cost management across the Capital Programme.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team, ensuring capability, capacity and culture to support delivery.
• Champion safety, collaboration, continuous improvement and professional excellence across the function.
• Establish and maintain cost management standards and controls aligned with industry best practice.
• Ensure robust cost estimates, baselines, budgets and forecasts support the PMB.
• Maintain alignment between estimating structures and performance management framework.
• Engage with project teams and supply chain to ensure quality of cost data and inputs.

Skills

Degree leadership

Forecasting

Cost management

Stakeholder influence

Team leadership

Cost data governance

Earned Value Management

APM qualification

Education

Degree in relevant discipline

Tools

Cost forecasting tools

PMO practices

Job description

United Utilities is seeking a Head of Cost Management to establish and lead the cost management function across our capital delivery portfolio. You will define strategy, governance, forecasting and assurance to ensure transparent, controlled cost outcomes.

Reporting to the Head of PMO, you will build and lead a high-performing team, champion continuous improvement and ensure robust cost data and performance management across AMP8 and beyond.