Estimator

Department: Finance · Reports to: Controller · Location: Sturtevant, WI

About the role

The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and competitive cost estimates for corrugated packaging products based on customer specifications, drawings, and requirements. This role analyzes material, labor, conversion, and production costs to generate pricing that supports profitability while meeting customer needs. Working closely with Sales, Production, and Purchasing teams, the Estimator ensures quotes reflect current manufacturing capabilities, material costs, and market conditions, while maintaining detailed records and pricing data. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and analytical professional with strong mathematical aptitude and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment. This position plays a key role in supporting business growth by delivering timely, accurate estimates, maintaining costing standards, monitoring margin performance, and contributing to pricing strategies. Experience with costing, pricing models, and corrugated packaging products is strongly preferred.

ND Paper is a leading manufacturer of high-quality pulp, paper, and packaging products in the United States, generating over half a billion dollars in annual sales. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited – the largest containerboard producer in the world – ND Paper is part of a global network committed to excellence and innovation. With two integrated pulp and paper mills in Rumford, Maine and Biron, Wisconsin, a packaging plant in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and two sheeting facilities in Langhorne, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia, the ND Paper family produces nearly one million tons of products annually. Our 1,100 dedicated employees are the heart of our operations, and we are committed to fostering positive work environments where individuals can advance and thrive.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates and pricing for corrugated boxes and packaging based on customer specifications
• Calculate material usage, board costs, conversion costs, and other cost inputs for each job
• Review customer drawings, specs, and requirements to determine the right construction and pricing
• Work closely with sales to turn around competitive, accurate quotes in a timely manner
• Collaborate with production and purchasing to ensure estimates reflect real-world capabilities and costs
• Track win/loss trends and margin performance on estimates to support pricing strategy
• Maintain organized, accurate records of quotes and estimates
• Complete quotes within 24-hour turnaround deadline

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business management, finance or related, or equivalent work experience preferred
• Prior costing experience preferred — experience building cost estimates or pricing models is a strong plus
• Corrugated industry experience preferred — familiarity with board grades, flute types, and corrugated construction strongly preferred
• Strong math skills and comfort working with spreadsheets and estimating software
• Preference with previous experience maintaining and updating costing standards, rates, and pricing models as materials and costs change
• High attention to detail and accuracy under deadline pressure
• Strong communication skills to work cross-functionally with sales, production, and purchasing
• Bilingual in Spanish or Mandarin is a plus

Success Profile

• Analytical mindset
• Curiosity to deepen understanding
• Attention to detail
• Team player
• Resiliency
• Proactive problem solver
• Hard work – tackle each task with determination, passion and creativity; the willingness to put in whatever effort is required to successfully complete the job at hand
• Pursuit of Excellence – strive to consistently exceed expectations in day-to-day work and outperform competitors in the marketplace
• Integrity – treat the company and teammates with utmost respect, operating on strong moral codes to drive company values and culture
• Sense of Urgency – drive forward each day with speed, agility, and flexibility to capture unrealized opportunities and avoid potential risks
• Entrepreneurial Spirit – act like an owner, challenging the status quo, asking the right questions, and actively seeking ways to innovate and improve
• Adaptability – be fluid with ND Paper's continuous evolution while driving change in a fast-paced environment
• Servant Leadership – set an example by implementing meaningful leadership with heart, empathy, foresight and stewardship

Working Conditions

Onsite at a manufacturing facility

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as voluntary benefits such as accident insurance, hospital indemnity, and critical illness for you and your family
• Financial protection benefits, including life insurance, disability insurance, and business travel accident insurance
• Tax advantaged accounts such as Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid holidays, personal days, and vacation days to support work-life balance
• 401K retirement plan with a company match and annual fixed contribution
• Wellness programs with incentives and an on-site clinic available at Rumford and Biron locations
• Competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and paid time off