Job Description
Job Title: Commercial Print Estimator
Reports To: VP of IT & Customer Support
Department: Administration
Brand/Location: Midstates Printing
FLSA Status: Exempt
FLSA Job Class: Administrative
EEOC Job Class: Professionals
Date: 03/01/2025
Company Purpose/Cause/Passion
Creating positive long-term relationships with our customers and our employees.
Core Values
Commitment, Can-Do Attitude and Customer Focus
Our Niche
Custom printing, direct mail, and fulfillment.
Summary
This primary focus of this position is to function as the job estimator and project engineer. This estimator must have the ability to calculate the specifications of the print project, but also have the analytical prowess to redesign the project for operational efficiencies and project costing. This position will work closely with Sales, Leadership and Pricing to formulate an optimized project for the client. They will also work with the Customer Support team to ensure specifications are properly communicated to the job ticket and production teams. This position will serve as conduit for developing Sales strategies and Operational efficiencies.
Job Requirements
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Properly prepare accurate and timely project estimates based on customer specifications as received by Sales and Project Coordinators.
• Analyze project specifications to determine if the client has an opportunity to reduce expense through manufacturing operations or changes to project specifications.
• Price all production work using proven methods and standards. Collaborate with Sales and ownership to develop strategies to win new clients.
• Train Sales Staff and Project Coordinators on potential cost savings, value-added options and quality improvement for presentation to customers.
• Utilizes technology to process estimates in a courteous, efficient and timely manner.
• Support strategic sales plan and marketing strategies outlined by Leadership Team.
• Collaboratively works with Purchasing Agent to acquire component part pricing alternatives from all vendors.
• Continuously works with ownership and Purchasing Agent to ensure all pricing inputs in the Estimating system are current and up-to-date.
• Maintain pricing and discount terms and allowances continuously. Develop knowledge of best suppliers and competitive prices and stay abreast of pricing changes.
• Work with cost accounting team to determine hourly rates and production standards for various operations. Updates the estimating system on a quarterly basis.
• Collaborates with Production Management to ensure spoilage and production times are accurate and effectively use in the estimating processes.
• Research and recommend cost saving potential to management.
• Review and make necessary changes to previously established job pricing as required for reprint or reorders.
• Work to enhance customer service, operational efficiency, and inter-departmental cooperation.
• Perform all other duties assigned and those that me be necessary to achieve company and departmental goals.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactory. The requirements listed below are a representation of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
• Excellent working knowledge of print processes and equipment.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal relations skills.
• Excellent multi-task and organization skills with attention to details.
• Must be able to manage high workload volumes under pressure situations.
• Must be reliable, professional, consistent, and serious about the tasks at hand.
Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field and 5 or more years’ experience and/or training in printing; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to apply basic math concepts (add, subtract, multiply, and divide). Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to conduct instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Physical and Working Conditions
The job is performed in a manufacturing facility with exposure to large equipment, noise, and materials related to the printing process. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally bend, stoop or kneel.
• Ability to use hands and arms to type, reach, handle or feel.
• Ability to frequently lift/move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 25 pounds.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None.