Estimator & Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title: Estimator & Manufacturing Planner                        

Department: Engineering                                            

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Technical Sales Manager

Position Summary:

The Estimator & Manufacturing Planner has two primary responsibilities:

Estimating

Develop cost estimates and quotes.  The Estimator collects and analyzes information regarding materials (type, usage, and cost), labor (processes, rates, and costs), equipment, packaging, shipping, and other production processes to generate accurate cost estimates for manufacturing products. The Estimator collects input from Graphic Arts/Prepress, Engineering, Purchasing, Manufacturing, and Quality to determine the optimum way to manufacture and cost products. The Estimator works with Sales Management to establish pricing, margins and quote content.

Manufacturing Planning 

In collaboration with engineering, create bill of material, manufacturing process, packaging process, and quality inspection process for all products.  Maintain digital files for each product in the ERP system (Label Traxx), including the estimate, quote, and supporting documentation.

Issue monthly material and labor variance reports (quote vs. actual) for all parts produced the prior month. Lead corrective action process until parts are produced at quoted rates.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Process requests for quotes (RFQ’s).  Create cost estimates for review and approval from the sales team.   Cost estimates are created for flexographic printing, digital printing, material converting, and contract manufacturing services. Collaborate with sales and engineering during the inquiry/RFQ process to identify and confirm all specifications and customer requirements.

Identify and quantify cost factors for material, labor, equipment, and overhead. Collaborate with Engineering, Purchasing, Quality, and Manufacturing to determine the best materials and processes to efficiently manufacture products.

Maintain quote activity log and issue monthly performance reports (quotes completed, win/loss ratio, etc).  Reviews reasons for lost quotes with sales and work to continually improve the efficiency of the process.

Continually analyze standard rates and cost information to ensure they are accurate and aligned with actual results and financial objectives.

Provide guidance throughout the new product release (NPR) process regarding the manufacturing processes and potential risks.

Create the bill of material, manufacturing process, packaging process, and quality inspection process for all products.  Maintain digital files for each product in the ERP system (Label Traxx), including the estimate, quote, and supporting documentation.

Qualifications Required:

·         College degree preferred, but not required.

·         3 years of progressive estimating experience in the printing or converting industry.

·         Proficiency with MS Office Suite (MS Word, Excel, Outlook). 

·         Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.

·         Self-starter.  Proactive nature.  Ability to work independently.

·         Demonstratable project management skills and experience.

·         Customer focused mentality.

·         Ability to read and interrupt drawings and specifications.

·         Professional presentation skills.

·         Proven written and oral communication skills.

·         Above average mathematical and analytical skills.

·         Excellent track record of attendance and punctuality.

Qualifications Desired:

·         Prior knowledge of printing industry ERP software (LabelTraxx)

·         General familiarity with ISO quality requirements

Success Factors/Job Competencies:

·         Friendly, outgoing personality.  Ability to interpret customers’ requirements.

·         Clear communication skills

·         Time management – the ability to organize and manage multiple priorities

·         Ability to work well in a team environment

·         Knowledge of the products and manufacturing processes.

·         Ability to remain patient when confronted with challenging situations

·         Strong listening skills.

·         Open-minded personality with motivation to learn and apply learned concepts

·         Tenacity – the willingness to do what needs to be done

·         Goal-oriented focus

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·         Physical demands - While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, and color vision.

·         Work Environment – The noise level in the working environment is normally quiet.