Estimator

GPA Global | Packaging & Gifting; California (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

GPA Global | Packaging & Gifting is seeking an experienced Estimator in Chatsworth, California to deliver accurate cost estimates for luxury folding cartons. You will work with sales, design, and production teams to capture project requirements, assess scope, and assemble comprehensive cost analyses that align with target margins.

The role involves evaluating materials, finishes, and production processes, coordinating vendor bids, and presenting proposals for client approvals.

Qualifications

• Strong mathematical, statistical, and data analysis skills.
• Detail-oriented with excellent analytical and reporting abilities.
• Experience in cost estimation for luxury packaging projects.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents.
• Proficient with spreadsheets and database management tools.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication.
• Excellent time management and prioritization.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with sales, design, production, and clients to define project requirements.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates for materials, finishes, and embellishments.
• Estimate production costs across printing, die-cutting, folding, and finishing.
• Create labor estimates based on timelines and machinery needs.
• Source and procure substrates and vendor materials per standards.
• Coordinate buy-outs like tooling and outsourced finishing.
• Bid with vendors and compare bids to maintain target margins.
• Present estimates for proposals and approvals.
• Track actual costs post-production to refine future estimates.
• Maintain relationships with vendors and internal teams.

Skills

Mathematics

Statistics

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Strategic planning

Reading technical documents

Communication

Time management

Tools

Spreadsheets

Database managers

Job description

Location

Chatsworth, California (LA County)

Estimator duties and responsibilities

• Work closely with internal and external professionals including sales, production managers, accounting and operations personnel to provide the most accurate and comprehensive estimates that are market competitive and maintain GPA Global target margins, ensuring profitability and meeting our target close rate.


• Partnering with sales representatives, designers, production teams, and clients to understand project requirements for luxury printed folding cartons, including custom designs, finishes, and branding needs.


• Reviewing client-provided specifications, artwork files, and structural design plans to assess project scope and complexity.


• Calculating costs, including paper, inks, coatings, foils, embossing, and other embellishments specific to luxury packaging.


• Estimating production costs, factoring in printing techniques (e.g., offset, digital, or flexographic), die-cutting, folding, gluing, and finishing processes.


• Preparing detailed labor estimates based on production timelines and machinery requirements for folding carton manufacturing.


• Managing and procuring paper for projects, ensuring availability of substrates that meet specified standards, as required


• Coordinating other job-related buy-outs (e.g., tooling, outsourced finishing,) as required.


• Sourcing and negotiating bids with vendors and suppliers for raw materials, tooling, and outsourced services, maintaining GPA Global’s high-quality standards


• Using historical bid data and production metrics to develop comprehensive cost analyses tailored to luxury packaging clients.


• Presenting polished, accurate estimates to sales representatives and the General Manager for client proposals and approval.


• Tracking and documenting actual costs post-production to refine future estimates and improve cost-efficiency.


• Maintaining strong relationships with key vendors, contractors, and internal teams to ensure seamless project execution.

Skills and qualifications

Use a variety of technical and soft skills to support the profitable operations of a company, including:

• Proficiency in mathematics, statistics and data analysis


• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail


• Report writing and strategic planning skills


• Familiarity with analyzing requirement data to develop material and cost estimates for large projects


• Expertise with analytic tools, such as spreadsheets and database managers


• Ability to read and interpret technical documents


• Excellent written communication and interpersonal skills


• Exceptional time management skills

Education and Experience

• Seven to ten years of experience as Commercial and Packaging Estimator

OSHA Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.