Print and Packaging Materials Estimating & Purchasing Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Print and Packaging Estimating & Purchasing Manager is responsible for overseeing all estimating and purchasing functions to ensure accurate job costing, competitive pricing, and strategic procurement of materials and services.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of printing processes, pharmaceutical secondary packaging materials, finishing operations, and supply chain management. This position serves as a key liaison between Sales, Production, Customer Service, Suppliers, and Management to maximize profitability while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities:

Estimating Management

• Work with your team to review, analyze, and interpret job specifications provided by Sales, Customer Service, or clients to determine production requirements and accurate manufacturing costs.
• Determine the most economical and efficient manufacturing methods while meeting customer specifications and high-quality standards.
• Work with your team to prepare, review, and maintain competitive quotations and proposals to support business growth and profitability.
• Maintain estimating databases, standards, costing models, and pricing structures.
• Collaborate with Sales and Operations teams to develop cost-saving solutions for customers.
• Analyze historical job data, production performance, and material usage to improve estimating accuracy.

Purchasing Management

• Source, negotiate, and procure paperboard, paper, labels, inks, coatings, and packaging materials required for production.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, converters, and subcontractors.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, lead times, and service agreements to ensure cost-effective purchasing while maintaining quality requirements.
• Evaluate supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and pricing.
• Obtain and evaluate competitive vendor quotations and make purchasing recommendations.
• Identify alternative suppliers and materials to mitigate supply chain risks and support business continuity.
• Work closely with Production, Planning, and Quality teams to resolve material shortages, supplier issues, and delivery concerns.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records and vendor pricing information within the company's ERP/MIS systems.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as the primary point of contact for estimating and purchasing activities across the organization.
• Collaborate with department managers to optimize manufacturing processes and material utilization.
• Support strategic initiatives focused on cost reduction, margin improvement, supplier consolidation, and operational efficiency.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to estimating and purchasing team members as the department grows.
• Participate in customer meetings, supplier reviews, and internal planning discussions as needed.

Required Education & Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in print estimating, purchasing, procurement, or a related packaging manufacturing environment.
• Pharmaceutical secondary packaging experience is required, including:
• • Folding Cartons
  • Package Inserts/Leaflets
  • Pressure Sensitive Labels
• Demonstrated experience sourcing and purchasing printing materials.
• Strong understanding of printing processes, materials, finishing operations, and production workflows.
• Knowledge of paperboard, paper grades, inks, coatings, adhesives, and packaging substrates.
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines on projects of varying size and complexity.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments.
• Working knowledge of printing equipment, production capabilities, run speeds, and the most efficient manufacturing methods.
• Experience with PACE, EFI Radius, EFI Pace, or other EFI MIS/ERP systems is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other business software applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Printed marketing collateral experience is also preferred.
• Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing vendor relationships is preferred.
• Prior supervisory or management experience in estimating, purchasing, or packaging operations.

This position offers an opportunity to play a critical role in both the profitability and operational success of our innovative organization by leading estimating and purchasing activities for a growing leader in pharmaceutical packaging materials and marketing collateral manufacturing