Estimator

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Printing Estimator is responsible for providing accurate and timely cost estimates for printing projects by analyzing customer specifications. This role requires a deep understanding of the printing process—from prepress and paper stocks to press time and finishing—to ensure the company maintains profitability while remaining competitive in the market.

Key Responsibilities

• Cost Analysis: Calculate the cost of materials (paper, ink, plates), labor, and machine time for offset, digital, and wide-format projects.
• Specification Review: Analyze RFQs (Request for Quotes) to determine the most efficient production methods.
• Vendor Coordination: Source and negotiate pricing for outside services such as specialized binding, die-cutting, or unique substrates.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Sales, Production, and Prepress departments to ensure job feasibility and technical accuracy.
• Compliance: Maintain records in accordance with California business standards and company policy.
• Software Management: ERP software (e.g., PrintIQ) to generate and track quotes.

Qualifications & Skills

• 3–5 years of estimating experience specifically within the printing or packaging industry .
• Strong understanding of sheet-fed offset, wide-format digital printing, and finishing operations.
• Advanced proficiency in calculating margins, spoilage rates, and paper weights.
• Ability to explain complex technical cost drivers to sales teams and clients.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and industry-specific estimating software.