Estimator, Construction

Salary DOE + £5,000 Car allowance

A leading infrastructure and highways maintenance business is looking for an experienced Target Cost Estimator to join its commercial management team on a major term maintenance highways contract in Milton Keynes.

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 the business's commercial position while fostering a collaborative, open-book approach with the Client and delivery teams.

• 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.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Strong numerical, analytical and organisational skills.
• Hands-on experience working with NEC3/NEC4 (Option
  
  C) contracts.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong capability with cost-management systems.
• Strong experience in a commercial or estimating role within the highways or civil engineering sector.
• An HNC, HND, or Degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management (or equivalent practical experience).

• Experience using industry software such as Causeway CPA, SAP, and Confirm.