Estimator

Key Responsibilities

• Review customer specifications, drawings, samples, artwork requirements, and job assumptions to develop accurate estimates for folding cartons, inserts, labels, and other specialty packaging solutions offered by the organization
• Analyze production requirements across prepress, printing, die-cutting, gluing, and specialty finishing steps to determine the most efficient and cost-effective manufacturing approach
• Calculate material usage, board and substrate requirements, spoilage assumptions, press time, setup time, finishing labor, packaging, freight assumptions, and outside service costs as applicable
• Incorporate value-added finishing features such as embossing, braille embossing, foil stamping, specialty coatings, windowing, ink-jet coding, and related carton enhancements into quote development when required
• Partner with sales, customer service, prepress, production, and purchasing teams to clarify specifications, identify risks, and align quotes with operational capabilities and customer expectations
• Prepare formal quotations, cost breakdowns, and pricing recommendations in accordance with company guidelines and target margin expectations
• Maintain estimate files, assumptions, version control, and supporting documentation for future reference, revisions, and post-job analysis
• Evaluate quote revisions, reworks, and alternate scenarios based on customer changes to quantity, materials, construction, or finishing requirements
• Support continuous improvement by comparing estimated versus actual production costs and identifying opportunities to improve pricing accuracy, waste assumptions, and estimating processes
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders regarding quote status, unusual job requirements, and potential operational challenges

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in business, printing technology, packaging, engineering, operations, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of estimating, costing, customer service, print production, packaging manufacturing, or related industry experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of printing and packaging production workflows, including prepress, offset or flexo printing, die-cutting, finishing, and carton converting
• Able to interpret specifications, measurements, die lines, job histories, and production requirements with strong attention to detail
• Strong math, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to build accurate cost models and compare production scenarios
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and comfort working in estimating, ERP, or production management systems
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment
• Able to manage multiple quotes and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness
• Experience estimating folding cartons, pharmaceutical packaging, nutraceutical packaging, or other specialty printed packaging
• Familiarity with regulated quality environments that follow ISO 9001:2015, CGMP, or related standards
• Knowledge of carton finishing processes such as foil stamping, embossing, braille, windowing, and specialty coatings
• Understanding of in-house tooling, blanking, and folder-gluer workflows in a packaging plant
• Strong analytical and commercial judgment.
• High attention to detail and estimate accuracy.
• Ability to balance competitiveness, manufacturability, and margin.
• Strong organization and follow-through.
• Collaborative approach with sales and plant operations teams.