Estimator

DCS Engineering; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

DCS Engineering in Milton Keynes is seeking an experienced Target Cost Estimator to join the commercial management team on a major highways term contract. You will prepare robust target cost estimates, manage monthly valuations under NEC3/NEC4, and ensure value for money with open-book collaboration with the Client and delivery teams.

The role requires strong numeracy, NEC contract knowledge, advanced Excel, and cost-management system experience. Salary DOE plus £5,000 car allowance is offered.

Qualifications

• Strong numerical, analytical and organisational skills.
• Hands-on NEC3/NEC4 (Option C) contract experience.
• Advanced Excel and cost-management system proficiency.
• Experience in highways or civil engineering commercial/estimating roles.
• Relevant QS/Commercial Management qualification or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed target cost estimates using schedules of rates and pricing mechanisms.
• Price and submit Early Warnings and Compensation Events with QS support.
• Prepare and submit monthly payment applications with full supporting evidence.
• Record and manage costs in systems such as Causeway CPA, SAP and Confirm.
• Monitor variances and escalate risks early for commercial decisions.
• Manage and verify subcontractor costs and payments against budgets.
• Collaborate with operations to clarify scopes and improve estimate accuracy.
• Communicate openly with the Client's commercial representatives.
• Mentor junior commercial team members and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Numerical ability

Analytical thinking

Organisational skills

NEC3/NEC4 knowledge

Excel proficiency

Cost-management systems

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management

Tools

Causeway CPA

SAP

Confirm

Job description

Estimator - Highways

Salary DOE + £5,000 Car allowance

The Role

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.

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.

About You

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).

Desirable

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