The Opportunity:
We’re looking for a strategic and influential Senior Cost Manager to play a key leadership role within our PMO team in Capital Delivery.
In this role, you’ll take ownership of cost management across a dynamic programme of wastewater projects, driving strong financial governance, enhancing cost performance, and ensuring best‑class cost control throughout the project lifecycle.
You won’t just be managing numbers; you’ll be shaping decisions. Acting as a trusted expert, you’ll bring the confidence to challenge, influence senior stakeholders, and elevate standards across the programme.
You’ll also lead and develop a small team, fostering capability and ensuring consistent, high‑quality cost intelligence across all projects.
This is a high‑impact, visible role where your expertise will directly support the delivery of essential services to millions of people across the North West.
Why this role stands out:
- Strategic influence – Shape programme decisions and drive financial performance
- Leadership opportunity – Develop and mentor emerging talent
- Meaningful impact – Contribute to vital infrastructure and regulatory commitments
- Supportive culture – Learn, grow and take action without unnecessary bureaucracy
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading programme cost management, including budgets, forecasts, and performance tracking
- Partnering with Planning, Risk, Controls, and Project Managers to ensure accurate, joined‑up cost data
- Driving cost control processes including commitments, accrals, and financial reporting
- Providing clear insights, identifying risks, trends, and variances against baseline
- Managing and implementing changes to programme baseline effectively
- Leading and developing a small team of Cost Managers
- Embedding consistent standards, governance, and best practice across the programme
About you:
You’re a confident, proactive cost professional who thrives in a fast‑paced project environment and enjoys influencing outcomes.
You’ll bring:
- Strong expertise in Cost Control, Project Controls, or Programme Delivery
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and challenge stakeholders
- Experience using Primavera P6
- A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset with confidence to raise and resolve issues
- Experience developing or mentoring others within a project controls environment
- Degree‑level education or equivalent experience
- Professional qualifications (APM, PMI or similar)
- Knowledge of NEC4 contracts
Why join United Utilities?
We believe in rewarding our people and helping them thrive:
- 26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays
- Up to 14% employer pension contribution (21% combined)
- Comprehensive healthcare plan
- Flexible and hybrid working options
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