Packaging Cost Estimator/Manager

VanRath; Belfast; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Packaging Costing Manager in Belfast. The role involves preparing cost estimates, evaluating risks, and collaborating with teams for successful project execution. Candidates should have a relevant third-level qualification and strong skills in financial modelling and cost analysis, along with a solid understanding of the packaging industry.

Qualifications

• Third-level qualification in a relevant discipline or significant relevant industry experience.
• Solid understanding of packaging industry standards and practices.
• Strong skills in cost analysis, financial modelling, and data manipulation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed and accurate estimates for commercial packaging jobs.
• Assess potential financial risks in project delivery.
• Develop bid packages for client submissions.
• Track ongoing project costs against estimates.
• Engage with teams to gather inputs for cost models.
• Provide cost data and specifications for procurement.
• Apply value engineering techniques to reduce costs.

Skills

Cost analysis

Financial modelling

Data manipulation using Microsoft Excel

Effective communication

Education

Third-level qualification in a relevant discipline

Tools

Microsoft Power BI

Job description

Overview

Vanrath are supporting our client to find a Packaging Costing Manager to support the pricing and financial evaluation of packaging RFQs and tender submissions within the self-adhesive label sector. The role involves preparing cost estimates, conducting post-cost analysis, and supporting commercial decision-making by calculating contribution and throughput margins. This position is critical to ensuring proposals are both competitive and financially sustainable, as well as monitoring costs throughout project execution.

Responsibilities

• Cost Estimation
  • Prepare detailed and accurate estimates for labour, materials, machinery, and overheads related to commercial packaging jobs.
• Risk Evaluation
  • Assess potential financial risks in project delivery and account for them in cost proposals.
• Tender Preparation
  • Develop comprehensive bid packages for client submissions, aligning with project specifications and profitability targets.
• Budget Oversight
  • Track ongoing project costs to ensure they remain aligned with initial estimates and highlight any deviations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Engage with internal teams including production, procurement, and sales to gather relevant inputs for cost models.
• Procurement Support
  • Provide detailed cost data and technical specifications to assist with the selection and procurement of materials.
• Cost Optimisation
  • Apply value engineering techniques to reduce costs without compromising project quality, safety, or timelines.

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Third-level qualification in a relevant discipline or significant relevant industry experience.
• Solid understanding of packaging industry standards and practices.
• Strong skills in cost analysis, financial modelling, and data manipulation using Microsoft Excel.
• Effective communicator, comfortable engaging with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to identify and resolve cost-related issues throughout the project lifecycle.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience using Microsoft Power BI or other data visualisation tools.
• Demonstrable track record of success in a similar commercial or packaging environment.