Print Estimator

PrintLink - Print & Packaging Recruiters; New Jersey; On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

PrintLink - Print & Packaging Recruiters is assisting a Union County, NJ commercial printing company in finding a Print Estimator to develop accurate, competitive estimates across wide-format, digital, and offset printing. You will evaluate how each job can run best from materials and equipment through finishing and delivery, balancing cost, quality, and turnaround.

You will collaborate with Sales, Production, Purchasing, and Scheduling to win business, reduce waste, and improve profitability

Qualifications

• 3+ years of estimating experience in commercial printing, packaging, or wide-format production.
• Strong knowledge of wide-format, digital, and offset printing, including substrates, equipment, and finishing processes.
• Experience with estimating software and MIS systems such as CAI/PACE, and Excel.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and anticipate production challenges.
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail with ability to manage multiple estimates under tight deadlines.
• Clear communication and collaborative problem-solving approach.

Responsibilities

• Build detailed estimates covering materials, printing, finishing, labor, equipment time, outside services, and freight.
• Review specifications, artwork, dielines, and CAD files to identify production requirements and challenges.
• Compare production methods, sheet sizes, impositions, and material yields to find cost-effective solutions.
• Confirm setup times, run speeds, waste allowances, and finishing requirements with Production.
• Help Sales clarify customer needs and recommend options that fit the project and budget.
• Obtain vendor pricing and coordinate with Purchasing and Scheduling to ensure estimates reflect material availability and plant capacity.
• Apply pricing guidelines and margin targets, maintain estimating tools, and review final job costs to improve future estimates.

Skills

Estimating experience

Wide-format printing knowledge

Digital and offset printing

Analytical skills

Communication

Tools

Estimating software

CAI/PACE MIS

Excel

Job description

Our client, a commercial printing company in Union County, NJ, is seeking an Print Estimator to develop accurate, competitive estimates across wide-format, digital, and offset printing. You'll evaluate how each job can run best from materials and equipment through finishing and delivery and recommend solutions that balance cost, quality, and turnaround.

What's in It for You?

• $75K-$100K annual salary.
• Variety in your work: Estimate projects across three print platforms.
• Put your expertise to use: Recommend substrates, finishing options, and production methods.
• See your impact: Help win business, reduce waste, and improve profitability.
• Broaden your knowledge: Work closely with Sales, Production, Purchasing, and Scheduling on complex print projects.

What You'll Do

• Build detailed estimates covering materials, printing, finishing, labor, equipment time, outside services, and freight.
• Review specifications, artwork, dielines, and CAD files to identify production requirements and potential challenges.
• Compare production methods, sheet sizes, impositions, and material yields to find cost-effective solutions.
• Confirm setup times, run speeds, waste allowances, and finishing requirements with Production.
• Help Sales clarify customer needs and recommend options that fit the project and budget.
• Obtain vendor pricing and coordinate with Purchasing and Scheduling to ensure estimates reflect material availability and plant capacity.
• Apply pricing guidelines and margin targets, maintain estimating tools, and review final job costs to improve future estimates.

What You Bring

• 3+ years of estimating experience in commercial printing, packaging, or wide-format production.
• Strong knowledge of wide-format, digital, and offset printing, including substrates, equipment, and finishing processes.
• Experience with estimating software, MIS systems such as CAI/PACE, and Excel.
• The ability to interpret technical specifications, spot missing details, and anticipate production challenges.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple estimates under tight deadlines.
• Clear communication and a practical, collaborative approach to solving problems.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available.