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
