Junior Estimator

The Segerdahl Corporation; Wheeling (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Holiday pay

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Education assistance

Disability insurance

Wellness resources

Identity theft protection

401k with employer match

Job summary

sg360° is seeking a Junior Estimator to join our printing and direct mail production team in Illinois. The role involves preparing accurate cost estimates by evaluating materials, processes, equipment capabilities, and labor requirements to deliver competitive pricing.

The successful candidate will review customer specifications, collaborate with manufacturing, and maintain cost files. Strong math, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success in this entry-level position.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience in customer service, estimating, or printing/manufacturing environment (1–5 years).
• Experience in prepress, bindery operations, or purchasing printing materials is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; solid mathematical aptitude.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Review and interpret specifications for customer orders.
• Review production method with management for approval.
• Determine material and outside service requirements including waste.
• Apply costs to estimating system to create price.
• Maintain relationship with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Inform sales/management of estimating activity and backlog.
• Maintain filing and records for customers and estimates.
• Run booking estimate for scheduling and est. reports.
• Provide cost estimates for least-cost equipment if needed.
• Suggest lower-cost alternatives to meet needs.
• Work with purchasing on material availability and substitutes.
• Ensure proper equipment availability with scheduling.
• Stay updated on material market changes.
• Provide production estimate based on final specs to safeguard price.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Math aptitude

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Customer service

MS Office

Estimating software

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Business/Graphic Arts

Tools

MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook)

Job description

Description

About sg360°

sg360° partners with Fortune 1000 brands to pursue unmatched direct marketing performance. We leave no stone unturned in our efforts to drive smarter targeting, stronger messaging and improved ROI. Everything we do - audience analytics, strategic planning, creative development, production and distribution - we do in the pursuit of performance.

When you join us, you gain access to a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, holiday pay, health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, an education assistance program, short- and long-term disability, wellness resources, identity theft protection, and a 401k with employer match. Be part of a legacy of excellence and growth with sg360°!

sg360° is seeking a Junior Estimator to join our team. The Junior Estimator prepares accurate and competitive cost estimates for a variety of print and graphic communications projects. This position determines the most efficient and cost-effective manufacturing methods by evaluating materials, production processes, equipment capabilities, and labor requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in the printing and direct mail industry while gaining exposure to all aspects of the production process.

Essential Job Functions

• Review and interpret specifications for an order as supplied by customer or salesperson.
• Review format and estimated production method with manufacturing management for approval.
• Determine material and outside service requirements including production waste and spoilage.
• Apply cost of materials, services, and labor to the estimating system to create a cost based sell price.
• Maintain a good working relationship with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Keep sales and management informed of estimating activity, backlog, crucial orders, etc.
• Maintain files and records on customers, routine orders, estimates and related items as needed.
• Run booking estimate for scheduling.
• Maintain est. files for quick reference in department.
• Maintain est. reports needed for department (est. activity, jobs, and other ISO reports)
• Determine the most cost effective method to produce the specified product.
• Provide suggestions to sales and/or customers for alternative ways to meet needs at lower cost.
• Work with purchasing on material availability, substitutes, inventory or other required items for the order.
• Review with scheduling short term estimates to insure proper equipment is available as needed.
• Stay abreast of changes in material markets, pricing, or new products.
• Provide production estimate based on final (as ordered) specifications to insure selling price is acceptable. Provide cost estimate for alternative equipment when least cost equipment is not available.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Graphic Arts, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• One to five years of experience in customer service, estimating, or a related printing/manufacturing environment.
• Experience in prepress, bindery operations, or purchasing printing materials is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with solid mathematical aptitude.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain attention to detail, and accurately process print-related documentation.
• Knowledge of printing materials, production standards, spoilage, and waste reduction practices.
• Understanding of printing processes, inline finishing, prepress, bindery operations, equipment capabilities, and print formulas/conversions.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and general computer applications.
• Ability to learn and utilize estimating and production management software.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Working conditions are normal for an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

Travel

Minimal local travel may be required for meetings, trainings, and/or other business purposes.

sg360° does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship. This policy applies to all applicants, including those whose employment authorization may expire in the future and would require sponsorship to remain employed.

sg360° is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. sg360° does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

sg360° will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities in the hiring process, in accordance with applicable laws. If you require an accommodation to complete your application, please contact the location to which you are applying and ask to speak with the Human Resources representative.