Commercial Print Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for someone who is naturally curious, detail-oriented, and passionate about solving problems. The ideal candidate enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, communicates effectively with multiple departments, and understands that every accurate estimate and every complete job ticket directly impacts customer satisfaction, production efficiency, and company profitability. They don't simply enter orders—they think through the entire production process before the first sheet is printed. Their attention to detail helps prevent mistakes, supports our commitment to quality, and contributes to a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Position Summary The Estimator / Project Entry Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring every project begins accurately, efficiently, and profitably. This position is responsible for preparing detailed customer estimates, entering approved projects into the company's PrintSmith system, verifying specifications, coordinating with production, and ensuring all job information is complete before production begins. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a thorough understanding of wide-format printing materials, production methods, and installation requirements.

The Estimator / Project Entry Specialist serves as one of the primary links between Sales, Customer Service, Prepress/Design, Production, Purchasing, and Installation, helping ensure projects move through the company smoothly from estimate to completion.

Primary Responsibilities Estimating

• Prepare accurate and timely customer estimates.

• Determine material requirements, production methods, labor requirements, finishing, packaging, shipping, and installation costs.

• Calculate material yields and production efficiencies.

• Verify current pricing for substrates, ink, laminates, hardware, freight, and outsourced services.

• Maintain company pricing standards and established profit margins.

• Recommend alternative materials or production methods when appropriate.

• Review customer specifications for completeness prior to quoting.

Project Entry

• Convert approved estimates into production-ready work orders.

• Enter complete and accurate project information into the CRM/ERP system.

• Verify artwork requirements and file specifications.

• Ensure all production notes are clear and complete.

• Confirm quantities, sizes, materials, colors, finishing requirements, shipping instructions, and installation details.

• Verify customer purchase orders and billing information.

• Assign appropriate production workflows

Production Coordination

• Communicate directly with Design, Prepress, Production, Purchasing, and Shipping.

• Clarify project requirements before production begins.

• Resolve discrepancies between customer requests and production capabilities.

• Assist in scheduling priorities when necessary.

• Monitor project status and communicate updates as needed.

Quality Assurance

• Review estimates for accuracy before submission.

• Verify production tickets before release.

• Ensure all required documentation is attached.

• Confirm artwork approvals have been received.

• Help reduce costly production errors with thorough project review.

Customer & Sales Support

• Answer estimating questions from Sales and Customer Service.

• Assist with product recommendations and material selections.

• Explain production capabilities and limitations.

• Provide realistic production timelines.

• Support Sales with technical printing knowledge.

Required Knowledge

• Large Format Printing

• Digital Printing Processes

• Commercial Printing

• Wide-Format Materials

• Vinyl Graphics

• Banners

• Rigid Substrates

• ADA Signage

• Vehicle Graphics

• Installation Methods

• Finishing Equipment

• Color Management Basics

• File Preparation Requirements

• Production Workflow

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of estimating experience in the printing industry (preferred).

• Wide-format printing experience strongly preferred.

• Excellent mathematical skills.

• Strong attention to detail. • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong organizational skills. • Proficient with Microsoft Office.

• Experience with CRM, ERP, or estimating software.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multiple departments.

Preferred Experience Experience with one or more of the following:

• Adobe Creative Cloud

• PrintSmith • Microsoft Excel

Core Competencies

• Accuracy

• Organization

• Problem Solving

• Time Management

• Customer Focus

• Teamwork

• Accountability

• Communication

• Initiative

• Continuous Improvement