Corporate Estimating Manager

Position Summary

The Corporate Estimating Manager drives efficiency, consistency, and continuous improvement across the company-wide estimating function. This role leads efficiency, standardization, and automation projects, supports the development and tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs), and helps coordinate large bid packages to ensure timely and accurate delivery to the customer. The Corporate Estimating Manager serves as a hands-on project leader and subject matter expert, partnering with regional estimating teams, Sales, Customer Service, IT, and Manufacturing to strengthen estimating accuracy, speed, and scalability across the organization.

Essential Responsibilities

• Lead and manage estimating efficiency projects across all manufacturing facilities, identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce quote turnaround time, and improve estimating productivity.
• Support the development, tracking, and reporting of estimating KPIs; build dashboards, scorecards, and recurring reports that provide visibility into quote volume, turnaround time, accuracy, and win rates.
• Drive standardization projects in partnership with the Regional Estimating Managers, including common estimating methodologies, templates, rate structures, and procedures across all manufacturing sites.
• Lead automation initiatives for estimating tools, systems, and data flows, partnering with IT and regional teams to reduce manual effort and improve data accuracy and consistency.
• Help coordinate large, multi-site bid packages and complex RFQs, aligning Estimating, Sales, and Customer Service to ensure timely and accurate delivery to the customer.
• Develop and maintain advanced Excel-based models, analysis tools, and templates in support of estimating, pricing, and cost analysis activities.
• Analyze estimated versus actual costs across facilities, identifying variances, trends, and opportunities for cost reduction and process improvement.
• Support training, documentation, and rollout of new estimating processes, standards, and tools across regional teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct reports. The Corporate Estimating Manager leads through cross-functional influence, directing project teams and coordinating initiatives with Regional Estimating Managers, Estimating Analysts, and facility estimating teams on behalf of the Corporate Director of Estimating.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 10 years of estimating experience in the printing or packaging industry, with strong proficiency in flexographic and digital printing processes, preferably with a focus on labels and/or flexible packaging.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex formulas, pivot tables, lookups, and data modeling for cost analysis and reporting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cost accounting principles, material estimation, and production planning for print manufacturing.
• Proficiency with estimating software, ERP systems, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities across sites while meeting deadlines.
• Effective written and oral communication skills with the ability to present information clearly to executive leadership, customers, and cross-functional teams.
  
  

Preferred

• Previous project management experience; formal project management training or certification (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma) is a plus.
• Knowledge of offset printing processes and folding carton estimating.
• Experience with automation and business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Power Query, macros/VBA, SQL).
• Experience developing and implementing standardized estimating processes across multiple locations.
• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) or equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  
  

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Ability to sit for extended periods performing computer-based data entry and analysis.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, reach, stoop, kneel, or crouch; must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• May be occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts in manufacturing environments; noise level is usually moderate.
• Periodic travel to manufacturing locations may be required in support of projects.