Planner/Estimator, Packaging

Quad•Spartanburg, SC

About The Position

We are seeking a Planner/Estimator to support the planning, estimating, and execution of custom packaging and display projects. In this role, you will help turn customer concepts and specifications into efficient, manufacturable solutions by developing accurate cost estimates, production plans, and manufacturing routings. You will work across a diverse range of products, including folding cartons, structural packaging, point-of-purchase (POP) displays, corrugated packaging, labels, and other custom packaging solutions. This is a highly collaborative role that partners closely with Sales, Customer Experience, Structural Design, Purchasing, Scheduling, and Manufacturing. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical skills with hands-on knowledge of packaging, printing, converting, and manufacturing processes and understands how to balance customer requirements with cost, quality, capacity, and operational efficiency.

Requirements

Three or more years of experience in estimating, production planning, manufacturing, packaging, printing, converting, or a related industry.
Experience estimating or planning products such as structural packaging, retail displays, folding cartons, corrugated packaging, labels, flexible packaging, or similar converted products.
Working knowledge of packaging manufacturing methods and materials, including substrates, printing processes, die cutting, folding/gluing, laminating, finishing, and converting operations.
Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate project specifications into accurate costs and practical manufacturing plans.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Experience working with ERP, MIS, estimating, or production planning systems.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively across commercial, technical, and manufacturing teams.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, quality, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, Business, Supply Chain, Packaging, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a related discipline is a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop accurate and competitive cost estimates for packaging, displays, and related solutions based on customer specifications, materials, labor, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
Review customer specifications, structural designs, artwork, dielines, and project requirements to assess manufacturing feasibility and recommend cost-effective production solutions.
Develop production plans and manufacturing routings that optimize efficiency, capacity, quality, cost, and profitability.
Estimate projects involving folding cartons, corrugated packaging, labels, retail and POP displays, and other custom packaging solutions.
Partner with Structural Design, Sales, Customer Experience, Production, Purchasing, Scheduling, and Operations throughout the project lifecycle.
Evaluate substrates, materials, finishing options, converting methods, and manufacturing processes to identify the best combination of quality, performance, and cost.
Create and maintain bills of materials (BOMs), manufacturing routings, labor standards, and related ERP/MIS system information.
Coordinate material requirements with Purchasing to support production schedules and customer delivery commitments.
Compare estimated costs and production assumptions with actual manufacturing performance to improve estimating accuracy.
Identify and recommend opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, control costs, and increase profitability.
Support new product introductions, customer quotations, and project planning activities.
Maintain accurate project documentation and information within company business systems.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing principles.
Follow all company safety, quality, environmental, and compliance requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.