Estimator

Location: Niles, IL

Salary: Up to $90,000 (based on experience)

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.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

Required

• 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.

Preferred

• 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.

What You'll Be Working On

You'll support a wide variety of custom manufacturing projects including:

• Folding cartons
• Rigid boxes
• Luxury packaging
• Trading cards
• Specialty printed materials
• Financial and retail packaging solutions

Projects range from straightforward, high-volume packaging to highly customized, intricate builds requiring close collaboration across multiple departments.

Why Join Us?

• 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

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.