Estimator

advatixinc; Sturgis (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Advatixinc in Sturgis, Michigan, is seeking an Estimator responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates for specialty packaging and printed carton projects. The role involves evaluating various specifications and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure effective pricing strategies.

The ideal candidate has a high school diploma with a preference for an associate or bachelor's degree, along with 3+ years of relevant experience. Key skills include attention to detail, proficiency in Excel, and strong analytical abilities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating, costing, customer service, or related experience.
• Strong understanding of packaging production workflows.
• Proficiency in estimating and production management systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates for specialty packaging and printed carton projects.
• Collaborate with teams to clarify specifications and align quotes with capabilities.
• Analyze production requirements to determine cost-effective manufacturing approaches.

Skills

Estimating and costing

Customer service

Print production knowledge

Attention to detail

Math and analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate or bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating or ERP systems

Job description

Estimator

Location: Sturgis, Michigan

Status: Full-Time

Role Summary

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and timely cost estimates for specialty packaging and printed carton projects at the facility. This role evaluates specifications, materials, labor, tooling, production methods, and finishing requirements to support competitive pricing, strong margins, and efficient handoff from quotation through production.

Key Responsibilities

• Review customer specifications, drawings, samples, artwork requirements, and job assumptions to develop accurate estimates for folding cartons, inserts, labels, and other specialty packaging solutions offered by the organization
• Analyze production requirements across prepress, printing, die-cutting, gluing, and specialty finishing steps to determine the most efficient and cost-effective manufacturing approach
• Calculate material usage, board and substrate requirements, spoilage assumptions, press time, setup time, finishing labor, packaging, freight assumptions, and outside service costs as applicable
• Estimate tooling requirements, including die tooling and other production aids, while considering the in-house tooling capabilities and lead‑time advantages
• Incorporate value-added finishing features such as embossing, braille embossing, foil stamping, specialty coatings, windowing, ink‑jet coding, and related carton enhancements into quote development when required
• Partner with sales, customer service, prepress, production, and purchasing teams to clarify specifications, identify risks, and align quotes with operational capabilities and customer expectations
• Prepare formal quotations, cost breakdowns, and pricing recommendations in accordance with company guidelines and target margin expectations
• Maintain estimate files, assumptions, version control, and supporting documentation for future reference, revisions, and post‑job analysis
• Evaluate quote revisions, reworks, and alternate scenarios based on customer changes to quantity, materials, construction, or finishing requirements
• Support continuous improvement by comparing estimated versus actual production costs and identifying opportunities to improve pricing accuracy, waste assumptions, and estimating processes
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders regarding quote status, unusual job requirements, and potential operational challenges

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor’s degree in business, printing technology, packaging, engineering, operations, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of estimating, costing, customer service, print production, packaging manufacturing, or related industry experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of printing and packaging production workflows, including prepress, offset or flexo printing, die‑cutting, finishing, and carton converting
• Ability to interpret specifications, measurements, die lines, job histories, and production requirements with strong attention to detail
• Strong math, analytical, and problem‑solving skills with the ability to build accurate cost models and compare production scenarios
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and comfort working in estimating, ERP, or production management systems
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to manage multiple quotes and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness
• Experience estimating folding cartons, pharmaceutical packaging, nutraceutical packaging, or other specialty printed packaging
• Familiarity with regulated quality environments that follow ISO 9001:2015, CGMP, or related standards
• Knowledge of carton finishing processes such as foil stamping, embossing, braille, windowing, and specialty coatings
• Understanding of in‑house tooling, blanking, and folder‑gluer workflows in a packaging plant

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and commercial judgment.
• High attention to detail and estimate accuracy.
• Ability to balance competitiveness, manufacturability, and margin.
• Strong organization and follow‑through.
• Collaborative approach with sales and plant operations teams.

We are an EEOC employer.