Estimator

Confidential Careers; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Careers in Rapid City, SD seeks an experienced Estimator to develop accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates by analyzing customer requirements, materials, labor, production, and costs. You will collaborate with Sales, Design, Graphics, Customer Service, and Manufacturing.

Responsibilities include reviewing requests, researching costs, communicating issues, preparing quotes, and maintaining ESTIMATING data in ERP systems.

Qualifications

• The candidate has 2+ years in Estimating, Accounting, Finance, Cost Analysis, or related field.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and ability to learn ERP, estimating, and layout systems quickly.
• Strong understanding of cost analysis and project management principles.
• Experience with research, data analysis, and estimation methodologies.
• Excellent mathematical and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
• Familiarity with inventory control, planning, and scheduling processes.
• Knowledge of commercial printing and packaging is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Review estimate requests for completeness and accuracy.
• Collaborate with internal teams to clarify project requirements.
• Research paper, stock, materials, and costs; identify alternatives.
• Advise Sales and Production on issues affecting costs.
• Prepare estimates using project descriptions, quantities, and finishing needs.
• Adjust material quantities and time estimates to ensure accurate pricing.
• Enter estimating data into ERP systems and generate quotes.
• Review and refine estimates to maintain pricing accuracy.
• Provide special instructions to vendors and internal departments as needed.
• Work with Design, Graphics, Customer Service, Sales, and Manufacturing to ensure accurate estimates.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Cost analysis

Project management

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Communication

Independent work

Cross-department collaboration

Familiarity with inventory control

Education

Bachelor's degree (Business / Statistics / Industrial Engineering / Finance / Inventory Management)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

A well-established printing and packaging organization is seeking an experienced Estimator to join its team. This Estimator will play an important role in developing accurate, competitive, and profitable estimates by analyzing customer requirements, materials, labor, equipment, production requirements, and associated costs.

The Estimator will work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Design, Graphics, and Manufacturing to ensure customer requirements are accurately interpreted and reflected in each estimate.

What You'll Do

• Review estimate requests, specifications, and other project requirements for completeness and accuracy.
• Contact appropriate internal teams to obtain missing information or clarify project requirements.
• Research paper, stock, materials, and other project costs and identify appropriate alternatives when applicable.
• Advise Sales and Production of potential issues, cost considerations, or other factors that may affect a project.
• Prepare estimates using information provided by Sales, including project description, quantities, paper size, stock, press requirements, finishing requirements, and outsourcing needs.
• Review preliminary estimates for accuracy and make adjustments to material quantities, make-ready time, press run time, and other cost components as needed.
• Review revised estimates to ensure pricing and calculations are accurate.
• Enter and maintain estimating information in applicable systems and summary reports.
• Generate quote documentation and provide completed estimates to the Sales team.
• Review and analyze project documentation to determine appropriate time, material, labor, and production costs.
• Provide special instructions to vendors and appropriate internal departments as needed.
• Work closely with Design, Graphics, Customer Service, Sales, and Manufacturing to interpret customer requirements and ensure projects are accurately estimated.
• Review new and complex projects with Manufacturing to identify potential production considerations.
• Maintain familiarity with both commercial printing and packaging processes.
• Stay knowledgeable about materials, production processes, finishing, and other factors that impact project costs.
• Exercise independent judgment when establishing estimate pricing within company guidelines.

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years of experience in Estimating, Accounting, Finance, Cost Analysis, or a related field.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to quickly learn ERP, estimating, and layout systems.
• Strong understanding of cost analysis and project management principles.
• Experience with research, data analysis, and estimation methodologies.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to calculate area, circumference, and volume and apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical business situations.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multiple departments.
• Ability to define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, draw conclusions, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions, mathematical information, diagrams, and other detailed specifications.
• Familiarity with inventory control, planning, and scheduling processes.
• Knowledge of commercial printing, packaging, binding, and finishing is a plus.
• A bachelor's degree in Business, Statistics, Industrial Engineering, Inventory Management, Finance, or a related discipline is preferred.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative manufacturing environment where your analytical skills and attention to detail will directly contribute to profitable business decisions and successful customer projects.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering a workplace where individuals are respected, valued, and given the opportunity to succeed based on their qualifications and experience. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, veteran status, citizenship status, or any other status protected by applicable law.