Job Description

About the Trust

We're one of the UK's biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?



Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.



Our role and opportunity

The Infrastructure and Programme team delivers major infrastructure activity across the Trust, covering a wide range of nationally important, operational and heritage assets including reservoirs, canal locks, embankments, tunnels, bridges, towpaths, culverts, tidal barrages and major docks. Our plans include increasing investment in the waterway network to improve its resilience in response to the growing impact of climate change.



The Cost Intelligence team is a key component of the Programme Management Office (PMO), which was established to provide governance, oversight and assurance for the delivery of our expanded programmes. The team offers an objective, data-led view of project costs, supporting both strategic planning and project delivery.



The Cost Intelligence Manager leads the development and continuous improvement of the cost intelligence function within the Infrastructure and Programmes Directorate. This role ensures the provision of robust, timely and credible cost data and insights across the project lifecycle, enabling informed decision-making at key project gateways. The postholder sets the strategic direction for cost intelligence capabilities, enhances data systems and tools, and drives maturity in cost estimation and reporting processes to support efficient project delivery



Responsible for the provision of supporting cost evidence on construction framework contracts worth circa 80m. Managing a team of up to 5 people. Contributing to the achievement of efficiency targets and the measurement of cost related Key Performance Indicators for projects delivered by the direct labour force and the framework contractor partners. Providing timely and accurate cost insights/cost intelligence reports to the directorate on circa 150 projects every year, to colleagues at all levels, including detailed cost reports, monthly senior management reporting, and ad-hoc reports to support increased efficiency in the delivery of projects.

Location & coverage

Our Cost Intelligence Manager will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required for team working a collaborative meetings.



The regularity & flexibility of travel will be discussed further at interview stage. Hubs include; Leeds, Ellesmere Port, Burnley, Newark, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Gloucester, London.

See our canal network here:

(https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network).



About the role

Key accountabilities:

Develop and implement cost intelligence systems and tools, including Microsoft Power Platform solutions, and provide training to enhance user capabilities. Lead and support cost estimation and management throughout the project lifecycle, including post-project cost capture and forecasting. Maintain and apply a consistent work breakdown structure to inform cost models and benchmarking across projects Benchmark internal and external costs, develop unit rate measurements, and ensure the Trust remains a knowledgeable client. Ensure data integrity and compliance, overseeing validation exercises and aligning with Trust standards and procedures. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Commercial, Finance, Environment) to integrate cost intelligence with audits, carbon estimating, and risk management. Undertake targeted cost studies as required to enable the Delivery Team to consider different options, and to advise on the optimum solution. Produce and present cost performance reports to senior management, offering insights and recommendations for efficiency and decision-making.

About you

This role will require comprehensive knowledge of cost estimating, quantity surveying and or commercial experience in a Civil Engineering and Construction environment.

Qualifications / knowledge:

Degree or equivalent in related area (Cost Estimating, Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management Etc.). Specific qualification such as MSc or further qualifications in Data Analysis, Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management. Member or working towards of relevant chartered body (RICS, MICE etc.). Professional development in area of managing NEC4 contracts. Accredited with SAP or Microsoft professional qualifications.

Experience:

Proven ability to implement cost intelligence systems. Experience of managing NEC suite of contracts and ability to demonstrate commercial intelligence. Understanding and implementation of data science processes within a cost intelligence function - including cost capture, data analysis, insight generation and reporting. Comprehensive experience of providing estimating and cost support to a wide programme of works. Strong understanding of cost processes and proven ability to use cost intelligence to drive improved performance. End to end experience of cost Intelligence reporting ideally within a SAP enterprise wide client. Experience of operating in a complex reporting environment. Experience of project delivery methodologies and planning processes.

General:

Good oral and written communicator. Ability to work as part of a team and to positively influence others. Ability to work on own initiative, deliver key objectives while working under pressure and coping with dynamic and fast-moving situations. Understanding use and implementing Microsoft Power Platform tools. Excellent interpersonal skills enabling the building of collaborative relationships across Trust & with contractors and external stakeholders.

If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk



We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

What we offer

In addition to your salary of 60,000 - 65,000, you will benefit from a Car Cash Allowance of 485 per month, a competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, great holiday entitlement and numerous other employee benefits, including several salary sacrifice benefits, all of which can be found here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits).

Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, where we will double your contribution to a maximum of 10%. 25 days paid holiday (plus paid Bank Holidays), increasing with years of service to up to 30 days after 5 years, plus holiday purchase scheme. Home working status with 'hub' facilities available should you need the flexibility to work outside of home. Free access to specialist counselling on a range of issues, e.g. health, financial, well-being and domestic matters. Access to a range of employee benefits including store discounts, boating holiday discounts and holiday purchase scheme. 2 days paid volunteering leave per annum, allowing you to volunteer for a local community project etc. Free fishing facilities across our canal network.

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.



All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.



At the Trust, we empower our people to flow and thrive both on and off the water. Our colleagues enjoy a variety of benefits that enhance their lives while working in a place that positively impacts others. We take pride in our people, protecting heritage and preserving wildlife, and we're all about the future of our colleagues and the future generations who love and use our network. Inspired by people, we harness the different ways of working and thinking, ensuring our teams grow and reach their full potential.



Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Find out more about us on our website:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us