Cost Intelligence Manager

The role holder will be responsible for leading a programme of cost intelligence dashboard systems designed to gather, analyse, and interpret cost data to provide actionable insights, benchmarks, and forecasts that enhance commercial performance and risk management.

To oversee the development and maintenance programme of cost intelligence systems, designed to flag value leakage exceptions on complex, high spend contracts.

Drive continuous improvement in cost intelligence processes, tools, and data governance.

To lead, managing and develop a team of Cost Intelligence Business Partners to successfully deliver the cost intelligence programme to time, cost and quality, providing assurance that costs claimed are in line with contracted terms and conditions of the agreement.

Support the development of cost models and scenario analyses to evaluate commercial options and risks carried out through value engineering.

The Cost Intelligence Manager is a vital role in enhancing commercial assurance capabilities, driving greater cost transparency, control, and value across complex, high-spend contracts with the objective of reducing value leakage by embedding preventative controls and commercial insights into day-to-day operations. To lead the development and delivery of cost intelligence capabilities that support strategic decision-making, commercial assurance, and value optimisation across the organisation, unlocking sustainable economic value.

To provide insights into cost drivers and variances to support strategic planning and risk mitigation.

Embed a new systemised capability to proactively prevent contract value leakage supporting our drive to establishing robust supplier relationship management. This will be achieved through the development and deployment of an AI-enabled cost intelligence platform designed to provide contract managers with live dashboards, enabling data-led decisions to enhance commercial performance and prevent value leakage at source.

Experience in commercial data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Excel).

If you’ve got experience in development and maintenance of cost intelligence systems as a Cost Intelligence Manager or similar and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.

Experience in risk-based auditing in a commercial environment with a keen eye for detail.

Excellent knowledge and experience of commercial contract arrangements, and the inherent risks and opportunities with each option.

Qualified to at least Degree level (e.g. Finance, Accounting, Quantity Surveying or relevant to commercial auditing).

Experience of leading and coaching a high performing team.

Strong analytical and quantitative skills with a deep understanding of commercial cost structures and drivers.

If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance.

Experience in infrastructure, construction, utilities, or a similar sector is advantageous.

Experience in managing third party consultants, required to support the delivery of complex commercial contract audits.

Experience of implementing change initiatives and effectively working within a team to drive performance improvements.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to deliver high quality outputs and effectively communicate reports to senior management.

Strong analytical skills and ability to challenge existing frameworks, processes and controls.

Knowledge and understanding of commercial governance.

We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.

We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience (£55,000 to £70,000).

A company car lease/allowance scheme (£2,510 cash allowance).

Retail savings scheme.

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra wellness day!

Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn’t always easy!

Annual incentive related bonus (up to 10% of annual salary).

A great benefits package – choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.

All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.

Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary.

Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!

Attractive pension scheme (up to 10% company contribution).

Private health care (self only).