Job Description
Estimator
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Location: Niles, IL
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Salary: Up to $90,000 (based on experience)
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Are you an experienced Estimator with a background in the printing or packaging industry? Do you enjoy analyzing costs, solving complex manufacturing challenges, and working in a fast-paced environment where every day brings something new? We're looking for a detail-oriented professional to join a growing team supporting high-end print and packaging projects for nationally recognized brands.
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This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable, growing organization that continues to expand through acquisition and increased business. You'll work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Production, and Vendors to develop accurate, competitive cost estimates for a wide variety of custom packaging and print projects.
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Responsibilities
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- Prepare accurate cost estimates for custom print and packaging projects.
- Review quote requests submitted by Sales and Customer Service teams.
- Determine whether projects will be produced internally or outsourced to vendors.
- Analyze and calculate:
- Material costs
- Labor costs
- Outside vendor pricing
- Create layouts using CAD software (ArtiosCAD experience is a plus).
- Build estimates using estimating software and ensure pricing accuracy.
- Present larger or more complex estimates for management review.
- Deliver finalized quotes within required turnaround times.
- Collaborate daily with Sales, Production, Purchasing, and Customer Service to prioritize projects and meet customer deadlines.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
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Qualifications
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Required
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- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Graphic Arts, Design, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field OR equivalent industry experience (8-10+ years).
- 4+ years of estimating experience within the printing or packaging manufacturing industry.
- Understanding of packaging materials, paper substrates, and how environmental conditions can impact production.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience using estimating software.
- Ability to analyze manufacturing costs including materials, labor, and outside processing.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing environment.
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Preferred
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- Experience with ArtiosCAD or similar CAD software.
- Experience with packaging estimating systems such as Monarch, iQuote, Vantage Point, or similar platforms.
- Vendor sourcing or pricing experience.
- ERP system experience.
- Experience estimating folding cartons, rigid boxes, luxury packaging, trading cards, or specialty printed products.
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What You'll Be Working On
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You'll support a wide variety of custom manufacturing projects including:
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- Folding cartons
- Rigid boxes
- Luxury packaging
- Trading cards
- Specialty printed materials
- Financial and retail packaging solutions
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Projects range from straightforward, high-volume packaging to highly customized, intricate builds requiring close collaboration across multiple departments.
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Why Join Us?
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- Established, financially stable company experiencing continued growth
- Opportunity to work on innovative, high-profile packaging and print projects
- Collaborative environment with close interaction between Sales, Estimating, and Production
- Strong benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)
- Career advancement opportunities within estimating and operations
- Supportive team focused on quality, precision, and continuous improvement
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If you're an estimator who enjoys balancing speed with accuracy and wants to be part of a growing manufacturing organization, we'd love to hear from you.