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- Tasks: Prepare detailed cost estimates and manage monthly valuations for highways maintenance projects.
- Company: Join Ringway, a leader in commercial management within the highways sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a permanent, full-time role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentorship opportunities for junior team members.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of financial performance and make a real impact on project success.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating, strong analytical skills, and NEC contract knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Milton Keynes, MK6 1LY
Permanent, Full Time
Ringway is seeking an experienced Target Cost Estimator to join our Commercial Management team on a term maintenance highways contract. This is a senior specialist role, responsible for preparing robust target cost estimates and managing monthly valuations under NEC3/NEC4 target‑cost arrangements, ensuring accuracy, transparency and value for money.
Reporting to the Commercial Manager, you will play a key role in protecting Ringway’s commercial position while fostering a collaborative, open‑book approach with the Client and delivery teams.
The Role
You will lead the preparation of detailed target prices for highways maintenance works, ensuring all costs are accurately built up, clearly evidenced, and agreed prior to delivery. Alongside this, you will manage monthly applications for payment, cost recording and variance analysis, and support the commercial team in administering Early Warnings and Compensation Events. This role sits at the heart of the contract’s financial performance, combining strong analytical capability, NEC contract knowledge and close collaboration with operational and client stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed target cost estimates using Schedules of Rates and agreed pricing mechanisms, covering labour, plant, materials, subcontractors, overheads and risk.
- Price and submit Early Warnings and Compensation Events, working closely with Quantity Surveyors to protect contractual entitlement.
- Prepare and submit monthly applications for payment, ensuring 100% of completed work value is captured with full supporting evidence.
- Record and manage costs within systems such as Causeway CPA, SAP and Confirm, maintaining real‑time visibility of actual versus target cost.
- Monitor variances and escalate risks early, supporting proactive commercial decision‑making.
- Manage and verify subcontractor costs and payments, ensuring accuracy and alignment with project budgets.
- Work collaboratively with operational teams to clarify scopes and improve estimate accuracy.
- Communicate openly and professionally with the Client’s commercial representatives.
- Mentor junior commercial team members and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong numerical, analytical and organisational skills
- NEC3/NEC4 (Option C) contract experience
- Advanced Excel and cost‑management system capability
- Strong experience in a commercial/estimating role within highways or civil engineering
- HNC / HND / Degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management (or equivalent experience)
- Experience with Causeway CPA, SAP and Confirm
Target Cost Estimator in Milton Keynes employer: Energy Jobline ZR
Contact Detail:
Energy Jobline ZR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Target Cost Estimator in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the highways and civil engineering sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on NEC3/NEC4 contracts and your analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you’ve managed costs and valuations in past roles. We want to see your expertise shine through, so practice articulating your experience clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your tech-savviness! Familiarise yourself with cost-management systems like Causeway CPA, SAP, and Confirm. If you can demonstrate your ability to manage costs effectively using these tools, you’ll stand out as a candidate who’s ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get that application in and let’s get you one step closer to landing that Target Cost Estimator role!
We think you need these skills to ace Target Cost Estimator in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Target Cost Estimator role. Highlight your experience with NEC3/NEC4 contracts and any relevant cost management systems like Causeway CPA or SAP. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team in Milton Keynes. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your analytical skills and collaborative approach.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Did you save costs on a project? Did you improve processes? We love to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to upload all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Target Cost Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on your understanding of cost estimation processes, especially in relation to NEC3/NEC4 contracts. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed costs or improved accuracy in estimates.
✨Familiarise with the Tools
Make sure you're comfortable with the software mentioned in the job description, like Causeway CPA, SAP, and Confirm. If you have experience using these systems, be ready to share how you've utilised them in past roles to manage costs and track variances effectively.
✨Collaborative Mindset
This role requires working closely with various teams, so highlight your ability to collaborate. Think of instances where you've worked with operational teams or clients to clarify scopes or improve estimate accuracy. Show that you value open communication and teamwork.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially regarding Early Warnings and Compensation Events. Prepare scenarios where you've had to make proactive commercial decisions or manage risks effectively. This will showcase your ability to protect the company's commercial position.