Estimator

Sturgis, MI
Full Time
Operations
Mid Level
Estimator

Location: Sturgis, Michigan
Status: Full-Time

Role Summary
The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and timely cost estimates for specialty packaging and printed carton projects at the facility. This role evaluates specifications, materials, labor, tooling, production methods, and finishing requirements to support competitive pricing, strong margins, and efficient handoff from quotation through production.

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
  • Estimate tooling requirements, including die tooling and other production aids, while considering the in-house tooling capabilities and lead-time advantages
  • 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
  • Ability 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
  • Ability 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
Core Competencies
  • 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.

HRforGrowth is an extension of the Growth Catalyst Group (GCG), a partnership of companies with more than 65 years of operating experience and a history of successfully serving customers across industries and disciplines. 
GCG® is one of the world’s leading providers of business transformation solutions related to supply chain and technology solutions for order fulfillment and marketing execution. We are committed to an inclusive workplace that does not discriminate against race, nationality, religion, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. We believe in diversity and encourage any qualified individual to apply. We are an EEOC Employer. 

 
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