Quantity Surveyor (Pre-contract)

United Utilities; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Pension contributions

Performance bonus

Healthcare plan

Discounts & wellbeing

Hybrid working

Supportive environment

Job summary

United Utilities, a FTSE 100 water company, is hiring a Contract Formulation Professional in Warrington. You will shape contracts for major infrastructure programmes, guide procurement, and ensure regulator compliance while balancing risk and value.

You’ll work with Operations, Engineering, Finance and Legal, influence suppliers, manage tender processes, and deliver robust contractual documentation to support sustainable growth in the North West.

Qualifications

• Significant experience developing and managing construction contracts.
• Strong NEC4 knowledge (highly desirable).
• Experience running tender processes and evaluating submissions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation, development and quality assurance of sourcing and contract documentation.
• Shape contract structures, commercial terms and risk allocations for major construction and infrastructure programmes.
• Provide expert guidance on contract specifics, commercial risk and cross business impacts.
• Ensure all pre contract activity aligns with regulatory requirements, including the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016.
• Manage end to end tendering processes: reviewing scopes, preparing contract data, issuing tender packs, managing queries, evaluating bids and recommending awards.
• Develop commercially robust contract packages, including clustered frameworks and one off works contracts.
• Ensure procurement activity is compliant, transparent and aligned with internal governance.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams including Operations, Engineering, Finance, Legal and Regulatory Procurement.
• Act as the first point of contact for contract related queries within your category.
• Influence suppliers and contractors, promoting best practice commercial behaviours and protecting UU’s interests.

Skills

NEC4 experience

Tender processes

Stakeholder management

Contract law knowledge

Commercial negotiation

Multidisciplinary teams

Prioritisation under pressure

Job description

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great 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 value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution.

The role

Location: Lingley Mere, Warrington
Salary: Competitive + Annual Bonus
Work Type: Hybrid | Full time | Permanent

At United Utilities, our purpose is simple but powerful — to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West. We’re a FTSE 100 organisation with a bold vision, a commitment to sustainability, and a culture where people can grow, innovate and truly make an impact.

We value diversity, inclusion and fresh thinking. Whether you’re collaborating with experts across the business or shaping major infrastructure programmes, you’ll find a supportive environment where your expertise is recognised and your contribution matters.

And yes — we offer a fantastic benefits package too.

Why this role matters

We’re entering a major period of growth and transformation, and our Commercial function is expanding to support some of the largest and most ambitious construction and infrastructure programmes in the region.

We’re looking for a Contract Formulation Professional — someone who thrives on shaping robust, commercially sound construction contracts, navigating complex procurement landscapes, and ensuring our major projects start on the strongest possible footing.

If you have deep experience in construction contracts, pre contract development, commercial risk, and especially NEC4, this is your opportunity to influence projects that deliver real environmental and societal value.

What you'll be doing

• Lead the creation, development and quality assurance of sourcing and contract documentation.


• Shape contract structures, commercial terms and risk allocations for major construction and infrastructure programmes.


• Provide expert guidance on contract specifics, commercial risk and cross business impacts.


• Ensure all pre contract activity aligns with regulatory requirements, including the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016.

• Manage end to end tendering processes: reviewing scopes, preparing contract data, issuing tender packs, managing queries, evaluating bids and recommending awards.


• Develop commercially robust contract packages, including clustered frameworks and one off works contracts.


• Ensure procurement activity is compliant, transparent and aligned with internal governance.

• Build strong relationships with internal teams including Operations, Engineering, Finance, Legal and Regulatory
  Procurement.


• Act as the first point of contact for contract related queries within your category.


• Influence suppliers and contractors, promoting best practice commercial behaviours and protecting UU’s interests.

Commercial Assurance & Risk Management

• Identify, assess and mitigate commercial and contractual risks.


• Maintain effective contract and supplier relationship management.


• Support the business in managing commercial claims, working closely with UU Legal.


• Ensure all documentation, decisions and audit trails are complete and compliant.

What you'll bring

We’re looking for someone with strong contract formulation experience, ideally within construction or infrastructure environments.

You’ll need:

• Significant experience developing and managing construction contracts, with strong working knowledge of NEC4 (highly desirable).


• Experience running tender processes and evaluating complex technical and commercial submissions.


• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills — able to influence, challenge and collaborate effectively.


• A solid understanding of regulated procurement and contract law.


• Commercial negotiation skills and the ability to balance risk, value and compliance.


• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and external partners.


• The ability to manage competing priorities and operate confidently in a fast moving environment.

(No QS degree required — we welcome applicants from a wide range of commercial, procurement, contract management or construction backgrounds.)

What you'll get in return

• 26 days annual leave (rising to 30 with service) plus bank holidays


• Up to 14% employer pension contribution


• Up to 10.5% performance related bonus


• Company funded healthcare plan


• Discounts, wellbeing benefits, EV scheme and more


• Flexible hybrid working (typically 3 days on site)


• A supportive environment where your expertise shapes real world outcomes

Impact

Ready to Shape the Future of Construction Contracting in the North West?

If you’re passionate about building strong, resilient and commercially robust contracts — and want to play a key role in major infrastructure programmes — we’d love to hear from you.
Join us and help deliver a greener, stronger future for the North West.

We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.