Senior Commercial Manager

Severn Trent; Coventry; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Cost & Estimating Business Lead to spearhead major projects in the water sector. This pivotal role involves developing a comprehensive cost and estimating strategy, ensuring every financial decision is data-driven and strategically sound. You'll collaborate with diverse teams, guiding a talented group of professionals while maintaining governance across the project lifecycle. If you thrive on data, enjoy leading teams, and are passionate about making a positive impact, this opportunity offers a rewarding career path with substantial benefits and a focus on community and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

31 days holiday + bank holidays

Annual bonus scheme (up to 20%)

Company car allowance

Leading pension scheme

Sharesave scheme

Dedicated training and development

Electric vehicle scheme

Family friendly policies

Two volunteering days per year

Qualifications

• 7+ years in cost estimating within the water sector or similar industries.
• Experience leading high-performing teams and driving change.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead cost and estimating strategy for capital investment.
• Work with cross-functional teams to set accurate Target Prices.

Skills

Cost Estimating

Data Analysis

Commercial Governance

Team Leadership

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Education

Degree in relevant field

Tools

Excel

Job description

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Join to apply for the Senior Commercial Manager role at Severn Trent

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Hello. We’re Severn Trent and we think water is wonderful. And we’re pretty keen on people, too.

Our people are what makes Severn Trent a truly exciting and inclusive place to work. We’re a team of over 7,000 people with a purpose to deliver one of life’s essentials. We do it all while thriving in our unique culture and making a lasting difference to our planet, society, and careers.

Are you ready to take the lead on major water industry projects?

We’re investing £6 billion into our network as part of AMP8 – and we’re looking for a visionary Cost & Estimating Business Lead to take the reins and set the strategic direction for cost and estimating across our capital investment programme.

This is more than just a numbers role – it’s central to how we shape, deliver and measure success across hundreds of projects. You’ll lead from the front, combining data-driven insight with commercial expertise to ensure every pound is spent wisely, and every decision is built on rock-solid intelligence.

Sounds interesting? Then, read on.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

As a Cost & Estimating Business Lead, you’ll develop and lead the end-to-end cost and estimating strategy – from initial cost capture and supplier estimates through to the generation of data for future regulatory submissions.

You’ll work cross-functionally with Finance, Engineering, Design and Commercial teams to ensure we set accurate Target Prices and maintain robust governance throughout.

As custodian of Unit Cost Curves, business plan data and cost capture systems, you’ll ensure consistency and transparency across the entire project lifecycle. While guiding and growing a team of around 10 cost and estimating professionals – mentoring, supporting and building capability for the future.

And crucially, you’ll be the go-to expert for pricing challenges, change control, performance reporting and strategic analysis – bringing a commercial lens to every aspect of capital delivery.

What You’ll Bring To The Role

We are looking for someone with:

• Solid experience in the Water sector or similar (Utilities, Power, Pharma, Food, Aerospace, Petrochem)
• Strong background in cost estimating, Target Price setting, and commercial governance
• Skilled in data analysis, change control, and performance reporting
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Confident working cross-functionally and influencing at all levels
• Degree-qualified (or equivalent experience) with 7+ years in a relevant field
  
  

To really thrive in this role the successful candidate will:

• Love working with data and can turn numbers into insight
• Know your way around Excel and cost systems
• Are a clear, confident communicator who can challenge when needed
• Stay organised, spot the detail, and always think ahead
• Enjoy driving change and making things better
• Bring energy, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset
  
  

The right skills and experience are important. But if you have the right character, positivity and a caring attitude we want to talk to you, too.

We welcome people from all walks of life and celebrate individuality as we know diverse minds, experiences and backgrounds help us to learn and better serve our communities. We want people who show up and get involve. Those who are ready to be part of something bigger and who want to make a difference because they care. Is that you?

We do more, because we care.

What’s In It For You

Working here isn’t just a job. You can build a career at Severn Trent. We’ll reward you for it, too. We have a range of benefits that recognise great work, and award-winning training to help you reach your potential. And we’ll also help you play your part in looking after the environment and the communities where we live.

With That In Mind, Here Are Just Some Of Our Favourite's Perks That You’ll Get Being Part Of The Seven Trent Family

• 31 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/ sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (of up to 20% of base salary per annum based on company performance)
• Company car allowance
• Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our ‘Academy’
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Family friendly policies
• Two volunteering days per year
  
  

WHATS NEXT?

We can’t wait to hear from you.

Before you apply, you’ll need an updated copy of your CV and about five minutes to spare. If you’re not too sure about what you need to do, or have a question about the role before applying, please do reach out to our amazing team of recruiters at [e-mail].

And if your curiosity has peaked and you're wanting to find out even more, search on social media.

Ps. we’ll always let you know the outcome of your application after the closing date - so keep an eye on your phone and emails!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Not Applicable

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Sales and Business Development

• Industries

  Utilities

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