Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with mentorship opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of financial performance and make a real impact on project success.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating and NEC contract knowledge is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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 about reaching 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 target cost estimates in the past. We want to see your expertise shine, so practice articulating your experiences clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your tech-savviness! Familiarise yourself with tools like Causeway CPA, SAP, and Confirm. If you can demonstrate your ability to manage costs and analyse data using these systems, 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 and engaged with our company. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
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 projects you've worked on. 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 at Ringway. Mention specific experiences that relate to preparing target cost estimates and managing valuations.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used these skills in previous positions. We love seeing how you’ve tackled challenges and contributed to financial performance!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
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 cost estimation techniques and be ready to discuss how you would prepare detailed target prices. Familiarise yourself with Schedules of Rates and pricing mechanisms relevant to the role.
✨Understand NEC Contracts
Make sure you have a solid grasp of NEC3/NEC4 contracts, especially Option C. Be prepared to explain how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, particularly in managing Early Warnings and Compensation Events. This will show that you can protect the company's commercial position effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've worked with operational teams or clients to clarify scopes and improve estimate accuracy. Highlighting your ability to communicate openly and professionally will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Real-Time Cost Management
Familiarise yourself with cost management systems like Causeway CPA, SAP, and Confirm. Be prepared to discuss how you would record and manage costs, monitor variances, and support proactive decision-making. Showing that you can maintain real-time visibility of costs will demonstrate your readiness for the role.