Manufacturing Estimator

ESTIMATOR

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Estimator to support manufacturing operations and the sales organization by developing accurate, timely quotes for custom manufactured packaging products.

This role will own the quoting process for manufactured items within the region and work closely with sales, operations, engineering, finance, and plant leadership. The Estimator will be responsible for developing and maintaining manufacturing standards, evaluating material and labor requirements, supporting new product opportunities, and assisting with special projects including new crate and pallet designs and on-site customer projects.

The successful candidate will bring a strong industrial design, engineering, or manufacturing background with the ability to understand how a product will be manufactured, determine the resources required to produce it, and translate those requirements into accurate cost estimates and customer quotes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

ESTIMATING AND QUOTING

Own the quoting process for manufactured items within the assigned region.

Develop accurate and timely estimates to support customer opportunities and the sales organization.

Review customer requirements, drawings, specifications, and project details to determine manufacturing requirements.

Estimate material, labor, manufacturing, and other applicable costs associated with producing custom products.

Utilize established pricing tools and manufacturing standards to develop quotes.

Work closely with sales to clarify customer requirements and provide technical support during the quoting process.

Maintain accurate estimating information and update quotes as customer or manufacturing requirements change.

Support pricing and quoting for both new and existing products.

MANUFACTURING AND PROCESS DEVELOPMENT

Develop, document, and maintain manufacturing standards used throughout the estimating process.

Evaluate manufacturing processes to ensure estimates accurately reflect how products will be produced.

Work closely with production and plant leadership to understand equipment capabilities, labor requirements, material usage, and production methods.

Identify opportunities to improve estimating accuracy and consistency.

Develop and improve processes and procedures related to estimating and manufacturing.

Support continuous improvement initiatives within the manufacturing operation.

Assist with the implementation and maintenance of standardized manufacturing practices.

CUSTOM PACKAGING AND SPECIAL PROJECTS

Take the lead on estimating and coordinating special projects, including new crate and pallet products.

Evaluate custom packaging requirements and determine appropriate materials and manufacturing methods.

Support new product and packaging projects from initial requirements through quoting and production planning.

Provide estimating and technical support for on-site customer projects when required.

Work across sales, engineering, operations, and production to ensure new products can be manufactured effectively.

Assist plant leadership with special assignments and operational projects as needed.

TECHNICAL AND CROSS-FUNCTIONAL SUPPORT

Partner closely with sales to provide timely technical and estimating support for customer opportunities.

Communicate effectively with employees, customers, vendors, and other business partners.

Translate customer requirements into clear manufacturing requirements and cost estimates.

Provide technical information and recommendations to support customer and internal discussions.

Present estimating, manufacturing, or project information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

Work with cross-functional teams to resolve technical, manufacturing, or costing issues affecting customer quotes.

QUALITY AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Support processes and procedures consistent with established quality standards.

Work within ISO 9001 or similar quality management frameworks where applicable.

Participate in initiatives focused on improving quality, efficiency, cost, and manufacturing consistency.

Apply Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, or similar continuous improvement principles where appropriate.

Identify inefficient processes or manufacturing assumptions that may affect estimating accuracy.

Help establish repeatable processes that improve quoting speed, accuracy, and overall manufacturing performance.

QUALIFICATIONS

5+ years of experience in industrial design, engineering, manufacturing engineering, estimating, or a related technical manufacturing function.

2+ years of experience developing or managing manufacturing processes and procedures.

Experience estimating or supporting custom manufactured products strongly preferred.

Experience with custom packaging, crating, pallets, wood products, or industrial packaging is preferred.

Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, labor requirements, and production methods.

Experience working within an ISO 9001 or similar quality framework preferred.

ISO auditing or implementation experience is a strong plus.

Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, or similar continuous improvement methodologies preferred.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with sales, production employees, customers, vendors, and business partners.

Ability to effectively present technical and project information.

Ability to manage multiple quotes, projects, and priorities in a manufacturing environment.

Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manufacturing, industrial design, engineering, or estimating professional who enjoys working at the intersection of sales, engineering, costing, and production. The role offers significant ownership of the quoting process along with the opportunity to work on custom packaging solutions, new crate and pallet products, manufacturing improvements, and special customer projects.