Print Estimator

Imagine; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Imagine in Charlotte, NC seeks an Estimator to cost bid opportunities and live jobs across digital and screen print, prepress, finishing, bindery and kitting. You’ll coordinate outsourcing, perform pricing analytics, and support operations with MIS/MRP processes.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma and experience estimating offset, wide format, and/or dye sublimation printing with ERP familiarity; a Bachelor's in a related field is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience estimating offset, wide format and/or dye sublimation printing jobs.
• Experience working with ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Cost Estimating – draft plans for potential jobs and estimate direct cost, as well as estimating job costs after‑the‑fact based on specifications from Sales Reps and CSR’s.
• Quantitative Analytics – spreadsheet manipulation, pricing analytics, geometry, algebra.
• Vendor Management – gather and compare quotes, place purchase orders after verifying competitive pricing.
• Research and Development – vendors, solutions, equipment, and drafting documentation.
• Purchasing – act as a purchasing agent as well as supporting various administrative functions of the Purchasing department.
• Instruction – provide guidance and education on an array of manufacturing‑related subjects, advising customers on job specifications (size or style of type, size of book, kind of binding, etc.).
• Project Planning – verify timelines & material availability and compare against press schedules to ensure actual ability to fulfill an estimated job.
• Insourcing/Outsourcing – coordinate bids to outside vendors or other intercompany facilities for work not feasible to produce in‑house.
• Consultation – provide input and direction on various project aspects including substrates, print process, specific press, finishing methods, packaging methods.
• Use MIS to prepare estimates and MRP system to assist with administrative purchasing & inventory functions.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Skills

Math skills

Independent worker

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in graphic communications, accounting, or a relevant field

Tools

ERP system

Adobe Creative Suite

JavaScript

Job description

At Imagine we go beyond print to help our clients deliver game‑changing visual communications from concept to delivery that set the standard for our industry. The first step in this process is hiring great employees! Our innovation teams are the most committed, highly experienced artisans in the business. We are committed to delivering high-quality marketing solutions, in every environment and campaign, helping our clients capture the heart, minds, and loyalty of their customers. For more than 30 years, The Imagine Group has established itself as one of the most influential and innovative visual communications companies in the industry. Join us and let's Imagine a better way together.

Job Type: Full‑time

Job Summary

The Estimator is a multi‑faced position responsible primarily for estimating the direct cost of bid opportunities and live jobs; including but not limited to digital and screen print, prepress, finishing, bindery, and kitting. The position often coordinates outsourcing work, conducts pricing and cost analytics, and broadly supports administrative functions for operations and manufacturing.

Job Description

• Cost Estimating – draft plans for potential jobs and estimate direct cost, as well as estimating job costs after‑the‑fact based on specifications from Sales Reps and CSR’s. Uses ERP system to prepare estimates.
• Quantitative Analytics – spreadsheet manipulation, pricing analytics, geometry, algebra.
• Vendor Management – gather and compare quotes, place purchase orders after verifying competitive pricing. Develop knowledge of materials used, best suppliers and competitive prices.
• Research and Development – vendors, solutions, equipment, and drafting documentation.
• Purchasing – act as a purchasing agent as well as supporting various administrative functions of the Purchasing department.
• Instruction – provide guidance and education on an array of manufacturing‑related subjects, advising customers on job specifications (size or style of type, size of book, kind of binding, etc.).
• Project Planning – verify timelines & material availability and compare against press schedules to ensure actual ability to fulfill an estimated job. Determine the production centers needed, develop a plan to accommodate all facets of the job, and select the most economical method.
• Insourcing/Outsourcing – coordinate bids to outside vendors or other intercompany facilities for work not feasible to produce in‑house.
• Consultation – provide input and direction on various project aspects including substrates, print process, specific press, finishing methods, packaging methods.
• Use MIS to prepare estimates and MRP system to assist with administrative purchasing & inventory functions.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications of Position

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience estimating offset, wide format and/or dye sublimation printing jobs.
• Experience working with ERP systems.

Preferred Qualifications Of Position

• Bachelor’s degree in graphic communications, accounting, or a relevant quantitative or manufacturing‑oriented field.
• Basic ability with Adobe Creative Suite (primarily Illustrator and Acrobat).
• Some experience with computer programming, specifically JavaScript, may be useful.
• Some experience with accounting and a minimal understanding of GAAP.
• General understanding of warehousing & logistics industry practices.
• Some experience managing projects or leading a team.

Knowledge And Skills

• Working knowledge of offset and wide format printing processes.
• Ability to read and understand oral/written instructions.
• Math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers and fractions.
• Works independently, coordinates well with a cohesive team.
• Flexible, self‑managed and able to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple projects, details and tight deadlines, often with competing demands.
• Ability to learn & retain knowledge of substrates, print processes, issues that affect quality, color, and imaging.
• Ability to communicate complex and/or technical topics in understandable “layperson’s terms.”

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

• Occasional walking.
• Manual dexterity for repetitive work.
• Frequent sitting for prolonged periods of time.

PAY STATEMENT

The national pay range for this role is listed above. The pay range may be slightly lower or higher based on the geographic location. The actual pay offered may vary depending on education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift and location. In addition to base salary, depending on the role, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. Imagine offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus tuition assistance, caregiver leave, adoption assistance, and employer/partner discounts.

EEO Statement

The Imagine Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Salary Description

USD $70,000 - USD $80,000/Yr.