Costing and Estimating Analyst

What We Do At Inland Your new career starts here at Inland Packaging! We are a local label and packaging manufacturer seeking a Costing and Estimating Analyst to join our growing team. As a global supplier, Inland prints 30 billion labels for brands like Kraft Heinz, New Glarus Brewing, Purina, AriZona, Coors Light, and many more. Inland is a family-owned business (80 years to be exact) that invests in cutting-edge technology and provides on-the-job training for endless career advancement opportunities. Job Summary: The Cost & Estimating Analyst will be responsible for performing estimating, quoting, and cost analysis processes for Inland’s label and packaging product lines. This role is critical in ensuring the profitability of our printing operations by accurately estimating project costs and analyzing production and costing data. The Cost & Estimating Analyst will collaborate closely with Sales, Finance, and Operations teams to optimize pricing strategies, improve operational efficiency, and drive overall business growth. This position requires a strong understanding of the manufacturing industry, exceptional analytical skills, and proficiency in costing principles. The Cost & Estimating Analyst must have the desire to advance within the department and take on roles and responsibilities that scale in ownership. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Estimating and Quoting Develops and maintains accurate cost models for various printing processes, materials, and equipment. Prepares detailed cost estimates and quotes for Inland’s label and packaging product lines, including material, labor, and overhead expenses. Ensures estimates are prepared consistently in accordance with established estimating standards. Analyzes customer specifications and job requirements to determine the most cost-effective production methods. Collaborates with sales, engineering, and production teams to gather necessary information for accurate cost estimations. Communicates on a recurring basis with members of operations to understand manufacturing capabilities and impacts of new label requirements on the business. Obtains working understanding of Inland’s product types, production methods, and operational challenges in order to better identify risks, and opportunities for the business. Conducts research on markets, and equipment to understand our Inland capability vs competition. Drafts SOPs and guidelines for the estimating and quoting process Cost and Gross Margin Analysis Reviews prior estimates against actual results and compiles estimating data to understand win / loss results as well as market based trends within the data. Prepares regular cost reports and variance analysis to monitor profitability. Identifies trends and patterns in cost data to inform strategic decision-making. Communicates on a recurring basis with members of the sales team to understand market dynamics and pricing. Assists the estimating team with a variety of duties including: Development of the Inland Cost and Estimating Tool Analysis and development of Gross Margin reporting Gross Margin forecasting and analysis Review of job costs for accuracy and manually adjusts as appropriate Pricing audits to ensure quote documents are being interpreted and applied as intended. Process Improvement Identifies opportunities to streamline the estimating and costing process. Implements new costing methodologies and tools to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to optimize production processes and reduce costs. Essential skills and experience: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field with 3 years of work experience in an estimating, cost accounting, analysis, or similar applicable position and/or a combination of education and experience requires. Must possess a deep understanding of cost and finance concepts. Experienced in computing, analyzing, modeling, and interpreting complex data and modeling. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to develop productive relationships and communicate effectively with management, peers, plant personnel, suppliers and customers. Advanced to expert level proficiency in Microsoft Excel with the ability to learn and adapt to new systems. Understanding of cost accounting and operational job costing and can speak intelligently about the differences with all levels of the organization. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Nonessential skills and experience: Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field Previous experience/expertise in Shrink, Flex, PSL Knowledge of multiple label printing technologies including but not limited to gravure, offset, flexographic and digital Advanced experience working with ERP and/or MIS systems Work Environment: Operates in a demanding, fast-paced, people-oriented manufacturing environment with frequent changes and interruptions, and multiple project assignments. Works with a variety of people including vendors, customers, employees, managers, and executives. Required Work Schedule: Typically works a 40+ work week. Must be flexible to attend conference calls, meetings, and other functions as they are scheduled. Must also be available during off hours, weekends, and holidays to meet organizational initiatives. Travel upwards of 4 times per year Physical Requirements: Position is generally sedentary. Must be able to walk, sit, bend, stoop, push, pull and stand; lift 10 pounds; 20/40 vision acuity.