NEW VACANCY! (PK9238)
Our client is a specialist bespoke packaging and POS manufacturer based in the Midlands, they are currently seeking an experienced Estimator to join their team. You will be responsible for providing timely and accurate costings and quotations for corrugated packaging and display work, ensuring proposals are commercially sound, practical to manufacture and aligned with customer needs and the company's product facility.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Receive and review enquiries, briefs, drawings and samples, clarify missing detail and choose suitable materials and processes
2. Build complete estimates that include board grades, print method and passes, coatings, lamination or mounting, die cutting, gluing, hand finishing, kitting and logistics where needed
3. Create realistic routings that reflect true run speeds, make readies and constraints for lithographic, large format digital and screen print, and for conversion processes
4. Optimise layouts and sheet usage to improve yield, advise on alternative board grades, formats or methods that reduce cost or risk while meeting quality
5. Liaise with design, production, planning, paper and board and with suppliers to confirm specifications, capacities, lead times and pricing
6. Prepare clear customer quotations with assumptions/exclusions set out in plain language
7. Maintain supplier price files, materials catalogues and standard rates and keep estimates in line with current costs
8. Convert accepted quotes into works orders in the MIS, create accurate bills of materials and routings, and brief production on key risks and checks
9. Support tenders and frameworks, prepare rate cards and standard costing models where appropriate
10. Track quote status, log win and loss reasons, and report on margin variance and turnaround performance
11. Work in line with the company trade only confidentiality and quality standards
Requirements:
12. Proven experience in a costing and estimating role within print, packaging or corrugated
13. Awareness of ArtiosCAD or similar CAD tools for reviewing files/checking key dimensions
14. Experience estimating point of sale displays and multi-component kits
15. Understanding of sustainability considerations relating to materials and manufacturing processes
16. Strong knowledge of corrugated materials, including flute profiles and board grades, and how these impact performance and cost
17. Good understanding of lithographic and large format digital printing, including strengths, limitations, and cost drivers
18. Sound knowledge of conversion processes, including mounting or lamination, die cutting, folding and gluing, hand finishing, and fulfilment
19. Ability to read and interpret CAD drawings, die lines, and production drawings, ensuring designs are manufacturable
20. Confident user of Excel and industry MIS systems such as Shuttleworth, Tharstern, printIQ or similar
21. Numerate, accurate, and highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to balance speed with quality
22. Clear and effective communicator, able to work confidently with customers, suppliers, and internal teams