Head of Commercial Assurance

Description

• Accountability for all Commercial Assurance activities within the Commercial function
• Lead an industry-leading Cost Intelligence function, setting the vision for cost data collection, estimating methodologies, and whole-life cost principles across all Totex investments.
• Accountability for the monthly financial controls and covenant activities, reporting, and governance reviews, addressing any non-compliance and ensuring that deadlines are met
• Accountability for the compliance activities associated with the financial controls and covenants activities
• Ensure robust financial controls and compliance processes are in place across the Commercial function.
• Provide robust cost insight and benchmarking to shape investment decisions, challenge assumptions, and demonstrate efficiency, influencing both internal strategy and wider industry thinking.
• Champion the implementation of an automated target cost system to support future AMP periods.
• Manage commercial operations compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including sanctions, modern slavery, GDPR and anti-bribery measures.
• Oversee supply chain investigations and whistleblowing activities and lead the output associated with any internal audit activity within the team.
• Manage the Client-Side Assurance and COCE frameworks, ensuring outputs deliver value for money and tangible improvements.
• Accountability for the Quantity Surveying Apprentices programme within Commercial Services & Assurance
• Oversee risk registers, business resilience documentation, and SAP mitigation activities within commercial operations.
• Management of the Target Cost Setting function
• Ensure high-quality cost inputs and seamless integration of cost intelligence systems across the business, supporting financial sustainability and compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement through insights, reporting, and the introduction of digital/computerised assurance tools.
• Management of the Cost Intelligence function
• Lead the development and delivery of assurance contracts across the Alliances and business units where capital expenditure and commercial activities are undertaken.
• Establish and oversee a robust assurance strategy, combining self-assurance and client-led activities.
• Maintain key external relationships (e.g., Dunn & Bradstreet) to ensure timely risk intelligence and reporting.
• Lead and develop the Quantity Surveying Apprenticeship Programme, including recruitment, placements, progress monitoring and working closely with colleagues within the wider commercial function.
• Ensure the team delivers expert advice, training, and upskilling across delivery and planning functions.
• Ensure that fair and sustainable cost-setting processes, validation of scope, appropriate cost models, and governance compliance is always in place.
• Represent Anglian Water externally at regulatory and industry forums, while driving continuous improvement and innovation in cost intelligence practices.

Requirements

• Strong background in leading cross-functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders, including reporting at Board level.
• Accountability for the Client-Side Assurance Framework and the COCE Framework.
• A proven track record in developing, implementing, and maintaining commercial assurance policies, standards, and frameworks
• Proven experience in the water sector & wider construction industry
• Substantial experience, typically over 10 years, in commercial or financial management, commercial governance, contract or audit compliance, ideally within a complex and regulated environment.
• Demonstrated success in designing and enforcing commercial frameworks, policies, and procedures
• Professionally qualified and experienced – for example within a relevant recognised commercial, quantity surveying, finance and/or project management institution
• Demonstrable commercial/financial management experience within Alliancing environments
• Accountability for the leadership of an impartial, consistent, and robust target cost setting function across Alliances and other business areas.
• Experience working collaboratively with legal, procurement, finance, and operational teams to embed commercial best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive pension scheme – Anglian Water double-matches your contributions up to 6%
• Flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle
• Life Cover at 8x your salary
• Personal private health care
• Car allowance
• 30 days leave + Bank Holidays
• Annual bonus scheme

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance