Estimator

Cost Estimator

This position is responsible for all cost-estimated activities in accordance with the rules and policies. The position assesses data for the purpose of determining the financial, time, materials, and labor costs of each project. Frequently prepares cost estimates on a variety of work that is primarily transactional/routine/repetitive and on occasion complex and may require the comparison of multiple options, to build a cost estimate. Receives and clarifies specifications and pursues any missing information, as needed, to complete the estimate. Utilizes pricing tools to build and generate pricing estimates based on scenarios that will best fit the customer's needs. Review historical quotes on renewals and update pricing to current costs.

Essential functions include:

• Gathering details and compiling data to estimate production costs according to specifications for existing and new customers.
• Assisting, as needed, in securing projects.
• Receiving job specifications from the source to ensure that the information needed to build an estimate has been provided.
• Pursuing missing/incomplete information required to price a job.
• Reviewing historical estimates to determine the new estimate.
• Reanalyzing projects and post-manufacturing costs.
• Working with manufacturing on new, complex, or unique opportunities to ensure projects can be produced in-house.
• Engaging sourcing, as needed, for work that requires outside vendors to produce and establish a cost basis for estimating.
• Entering specifications into pricing systems/software to build pricing scenarios.
• Making selections to best match the customer's delivery requirements and offer the best pricing options.
• Completing alterations to scenarios to offer customers multiple options.
• Making process recommendations for improving the management and receipt of specifications.
• Following all required safety procedures such as, ergonomics, hazards, etc., and performing job in a manner that protects the health and safety of all employees.
• Maintaining organization and cleanliness of work area.
• Performing other related duties and participating in special projects, as assigned.
• Working additional hours as needed.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in mathematics, Statistics, or Physical Sciences is helpful, but not required.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent, required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum five years of related experience in a commercial print, manufacturing environment, with multiple concurrent projects complementary to the duties of the job OR demonstrated ability to meet the job requirements through a comparable number of years of work experience.
• Minimum two to three years project management experience preferred.
• Prior experience with cost estimating systems and software required.
• Broad knowledge of general administrative/manufacturing operations, procedures, and knowledge of job-specific processes to successfully execute and complete the more progressive/complex duties of the job.
• Possess proficient knowledge of cost systems and rates.
• Knowledgeable of characteristics of products that are most profitable.
• Knowledgeable in the print and production fields of offset printing, digital printing, and wide format printing, finishing, and bindery.
• Basic knowledge of all aspects of prepress, press, bindery, fulfillment, and distribution processes and methods.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, order entry software (EFI PACE or comparable), basic desktop publishing, QuarkXPress, PageMaker, Freehand, Illustrator, Photoshop, and PDF.
• Basic knowledge of file preflight (i.e., does the file have bleed, is it the proper size).
• Requires knowledge of multiple functions or areas of the business with which there is frequent contact while completing daily work assignments of the job.
• Knowledge of computer hardware and software, including applications and programming relevant to the position.
• Knowledge of technology to include computers and software programs such as MS Office, and other programs specific to the job to complete duties successfully.
• Proficient in MS Office products.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the written language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services, including meeting quality standards, and evaluating customer needs and satisfaction.
• Must be detail-oriented and accurate.
• Verbal and written communications.
• Versed in print processes and best practices.
• Excellent customer service, project and time management, and computer skills required.
• Strong verbal, written, and intrapersonal communication skills.
• Ability to follow company policy and understand any rules or regulations governing the work being completed and the impact work has on department or company.
• Ability to learn new software quickly.
• Able to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Able to maintain a professional demeanor and positive attitude while approaching work proactively.
• Able to work effectively in a high-volume environment and manage multiple, competing priorities effectively.
• Able to work outside of normal business hours to accommodate business needs, when required.

Competencies:

• Personal Effectiveness/Credibility
• Ethical Conduct
• Accountability
• Teamwork and Orientation
• Customer/Client Focus
• Business Acumen
• Analytical and Technical Capacity
• Initiative
• Results Driven
• Technical Capacity
• Project Management
• Time Management
• Communication Proficiency
• Organizational Skills
• Collaboration
• Computer Skills

Management Responsibility:

This position does not manage others.

Work Environment:

The environment is not exposed to extreme changes in temperatures or weather conditions. The environment is regulated via systems. Noise level moderate to loud in the operations area. The environment is protected with building access pass systems. Fast-paced manufacturing environment. The work environment is collaborative. Work is performed within cross-functional teams. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and fax machines. This role is subject to certain hazards in the work environment and is therefore required to use personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, hearing protection, and other PPE may be required depending upon the hazards such as eye protection, apron, gloves, etc.

Physical Demands:

This is approximately 90% a sedentary role with the balance of time required interacting, collaborating, and communicating with internal and external customers. The individual in this position needs to move about inside both the office and manufacturing areas to access files, communicate with teams, and other individuals, assist in operating machinery, etc. Regularly operates a computer and other office machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer, as needed. The person in this position frequently communicates with coworkers, customers, and business partners to complete work assignments. The position will require the ability to communicate, speak, hear, see, sit, bend, stand, stoop, walk, push, pull, lift, lower, grasp, as necessary. Carry weight, lift (to a height of 3-4 feet) transfer, position, move, materials up to up to 20 pounds, regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally. This role requires you to use personal protective equipment such as safety footwear and hearing protection, when working in the manufacturing environment. Some travel may be required to attend meetings and events, as assigned. Valid Driver's License required.

Travel:

This position may require travel to other work locations regularly. May also require travel to customer locations as needed. May require overnight travel and stays of approximately 10% of total hours to attend trade shows, conferences, and industry events, or exhibiting.

$80,000 - $95,000 a year