Remote Commercial Print Estimator

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThis job is posted on behalf of Talent Guide USA by Top Echelon.Commercial Print Estimator – Sheetfed, Digital & Direct Mail Excellent Compensation | Outstanding Benefits | Print MIS/Estimating Software | Growing CompanyA growing commercial printing company is expanding its operations in the area and looking for an experienced Commercial Print Estimator to join its team.We are looking for someone who understands how commercial print is actually produced and can use print estimating/MIS software to accurately estimate sheetfed offset, digital printing, bindery/finishing, and direct mail projects.The company is progressive and technology-driven, with continued investment in modern printing equipment, estimating software, workflow automation, and its people. They offer excellent compensation, outstanding benefits, paid training, and long-term advancement opportunities.Why Consider This Opportunity? Excellent compensationOutstanding company benefitsDaytime position - can work remote with experienceGrowing and stable commercial printing operationModern print MIS and estimating technologySheetfed offset and production digital capabilitiesIn-house bindery, finishing, and direct mailPaid software and technical trainingRegular performance and compensation reviewsStrong team-oriented cultureLow employee turnoverLong-term advancement opportunitiesThe Position The Commercial Print Estimator will prepare accurate and competitive estimates for a diverse mix of sheetfed offset, production digital, bindery/finishing, and direct mail work.You'll work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Purchasing, Prepress, Production, Scheduling, Bindery, Mailing, and Management to determine the most efficient and profitable way to manufacture each project.This isn't simply a data-entry position. We're looking for someone who understands printing and can look at a job specification and determine how it should be produced.Print Estimating / MIS Software Experience with commercial printing estimating or MIS software is important.We are interested in candidates who have worked with systems such as:EFI Pace | EFI Monarch | EFI PrintSmith Vision | PrintIQ | Tharstern | EPMS | Avanti Slingshot | PrintVis | Technique | ePS Radius | ePS Pace | ePS Monarch | ePS PrintSmith Vision | DocketManager | Ordant | Midnight | Similar Print MIS/Estimating SystemsYou do not need experience with the company's exact software.If you understand commercial print estimating and have successfully used a print MIS or estimating platform, the company will provide paid training on its specific system.What You'll Estimate Projects can include:Sheetfed offset printingProduction digital printingShort- and long-run commercial printBrochures and marketing collateralBooklets and catalogsDirect mail campaignsVariable-data printingPersonalized printCutting, folding, and stitchingPerfect bindingLaminating and coatingDie cutting, scoring, and perforatingInserting and mailingOutside finishing and specialty servicesResponsibilities Prepare detailed estimates for commercial printing projectsEnter and maintain estimates within the company's MIS/estimating softwareReview customer specifications, RFQs, and job requirementsDetermine the most efficient production methodEstimate sheetfed offset and digital printingDetermine when a project is better suited for offset versus digital productionCalculate paper requirements and optimize sheet utilizationEstimate press time, make-ready, spoilage, labor, materials, and production costsCalculate bindery and finishing requirementsEstimate direct mail and mailing-related productionObtain outside vendor pricing when requiredReview previous jobs and historical production informationIdentify missing or conflicting job specificationsWork with Sales and Customer Service to develop production alternativesRecommend more cost-effective manufacturing methods when appropriateHelp maintain accurate pricing, costing, and production information within the MISSupport competitive pricing while protecting company marginsExperience We're Looking For Candidates should have approximately 2+ years of commercial print estimating experience or closely related experience providing a strong understanding of printing, production, and job costing.You should understand factors including:Press Format | Sheet Size | Imposition | Paper & Substrates | Paper Utilization | Run Length | Make-Ready | Color Requirements | Production Speeds | Spoilage | Bindery | Finishing | Outside Services | Labor | MailingExperience estimating work produced on sheetfed offset presses and production digital equipment is particularly important.Direct Mail Experience Is Valuable Because the company also produces direct mail, experience estimating mailing projects is a plus.This could include:Variable Data | Data Processing | Inkjet Addressing | Inserting | Folding | Tabbing | Sorting | Postal Preparation | Mailing ServicesYou don't need to be a postal expert, but you should understand how direct mail requirements can affect the production process, equipment selection, scheduling, and overall cost of a job.Strong Print Background but Ready to Move Into Estimating? The company may also consider an experienced Print CSR, Production Planner, Print Buyer, Account Manager, Production Coordinator, or other commercial print professional who understands how jobs move through a plant and has the analytical and computer skills to move into estimating.For the right person, the company is willing to provide paid estimating and software training.This is an opportunity to join a growing commercial printer where your industry knowledge will directly impact pricing, production efficiency, profitability, and the company's ability to win new business.If you understand commercial printing, know how jobs should be produced, and have experience with print estimating/MIS software such as Pace, Monarch, PrintSmith, PrintIQ, Tharstern, EPMS, Avanti, PrintVis, or similar systems, we'd like to hear from you.