Estimator

Moore; Elkwood (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Moore, a data-driven CXM company, seeks an Estimator to prepare accurate, timely cost estimates for print and direct mail projects. You will work with Sales, Customer Service, Production, Purchasing, and Mailing Operations to analyze specs, determine costs, and develop pricing proposals that drive profitability.

Join a leading North American provider of integrated supporter experiences across channels, with a strong focus on quality and service.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of printing processes including digital, variable data, bindery, and mailing.
• Solid mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to read and interpret job specs, schedules, and technical requirements.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; collaborate across departments.
• Ability to work with vendors and manage relationships.
• Physical stamina to stand and walk as needed.
• Reliable and dependable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for commercial print, direct mail, and related projects.
• Review specifications, data, postal requirements, and production schedules.
• Calculate costs for materials, finishing, postage, and outsourcing.
• Evaluate vendor quotations for paper, envelopes, and services.
• Analyze production methods and propose cost-saving solutions.
• Collaborate with sales and customer service to clarify requirements.
• Maintain pricing databases for materials, labor, and freight.
• Support bid submissions, RFP responses, and pricing proposals.
• Ensure estimates align with pricing guidelines and profit goals.
• Assist management with cost analysis and forecasting.

Skills

Printing processes knowledge

Analytical thinking

Mathematical skills

Reading specs

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Brief Description

The Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates for print and direct mail projects. This role works closely with Sales, Customer Service, Production, Purchasing, and Mailing Operations to analyze project specifications, determine production costs, and develop pricing proposals. The Estimator serves as a key resource in supporting profitable business growth while ensuring customer expectations and operational capabilities are aligned.

Schedule: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Duties/Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for commercial print, digital print, variable data printing, direct mail, fulfillment, and mailing projects.
• Review customer specifications, artwork requirements, data processing needs, postal requirements, and production schedules.
• Calculate costs for paper, printing, finishing, bindery, personalization, postage, freight, inserts, and outsourced services.
• Obtain and evaluate vendor quotations for paper, envelopes, specialty products, and outsourced services.
• Analyze production methods and recommend cost-effective manufacturing solutions.
• Work closely with sales representatives and customer service teams to clarify project requirements and identify value-added opportunities.
• Maintain current pricing databases for materials, labor, postage, freight, and vendor services.
• Provide alternative production recommendations that improve efficiency and profitability.
• Review historical job costs and assist in developing pricing strategies.
• Monitor industry trends, paper markets, postal regulations, and production technologies impacting project costs.
• Support bid submissions, RFP responses, and contract pricing proposals.
• Ensure estimates comply with company pricing guidelines and profit objectives.
• Participate in project handoff meetings to support smooth transition from estimate to production.
• Assist management with cost analysis, forecasting, and operational reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Strong understanding of printing processes, including digital printing, variable data printing, bindery and finishing operations, and mailing and fulfillment services.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret job specifications, production schedules, and technical requirements.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build strong vendor relationships.
• Physical stamina (able to stand, bend, lift, and walk for extended periods).
• Reliable and dependable.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Estimate accuracy
• Quote turnaround time
• Gross margin performance
• Bid win rate
• Vendor quote management
• Pricing database accuracy
• Internal and customer satisfaction
• On-time completion of estimates

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent, required.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years of estimating experience in commercial printing, direct mail, packaging, or related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience with offset printing, digital printing, mailing operations, fulfillment, and postal regulations strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of USPS mailing requirements and postal optimization strategies is highly desirable.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment with regular interaction with production, warehouse, mailing, and fulfillment departments.
• Occasional exposure to manufacturing and printing equipment.
• Extended computer use and frequent analysis of detailed project specifications.

Moore is a data-driven constituent experience management (CXM) company achieving accelerated growth for clients through integrated supporter experiences across all platforms, channels, and devices. We are an innovation-led company that is the largest marketing, data, and fundraising company in North America, serving the purpose-driven industry with clients across education, association, political, and commercial sectors.

How We’ll Support You:

• Join the largest marketing and fundraising company in North America serving the nonprofit industry, where we prioritize innovation and professional growth.
• Collaborate with industry subject matter experts with over 5,000 employees across the enterprise.
• To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid holidays, and generous paid time off so you can have the time and space to recharge and pursue your other passions and be with the people you care about.
• Moore is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.