Print Estimator

Sagan World LLC.; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 260,000 - 380,000; Part time

Job summary

Sagan World LLC. seeks a skilled Print Estimator to support our U.S.-based sales and production teams.

This independent-contractor role requires reviewing quote requests, determining the best production approach, and building accurate, timely estimates while safeguarding margins. The ideal candidate has prior printing-estimating experience, a solid grasp of print terminology, pricing structures, and the inputs needed for accurate estimates.

Qualifications

• Previous estimating experience within the printing industry is required.
• Strong understanding of print terminology, production processes, and inputs required to estimate print jobs.
• Experience with price books, pricing structures, and print job costing.
• Ability to explain how a print estimate is developed from initial request through final pricing.
• Experience using a print-industry MIS, CRM, or estimating system; PrintSmith Vision is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Review incoming quote requests and determine the appropriate production approach.
• Build accurate and timely print estimates using the company’s MIS system.
• Evaluate production factors such as press requirements, stock/materials, quantities, imposition, finishing, bindery, labor, and other job-specific requirements.
• Use historical job information, inventory, and pricing data to support estimating decisions.
• Work with price books and established pricing structures to develop accurate estimates.
• Identify missing information and determine inputs needed to complete an estimate.
• Communicate clearly when additional information is required.
• Collaborate with sales and production teams to ensure estimates reflect production capabilities and customer requirements.
• Maintain fast turnaround times on quote requests while protecting margins.
• Support estimates across different print categories: commercial print, wide format/signage, direct mail, and labels.

Skills

English communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Time management

Tools

MIS system

PrintSmith Vision

CRM/estimating system

Job description

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM PST

NOTE: INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR POSITION

About the Company:

We are a commercial printing company serving a diverse range of print needs, including commercial printing, wide format and signage, direct mail, and labels. With multiple production locations in Northern California, the team works closely across sales and production to deliver accurate, efficient, and profitable print solutions.

Position Overview:

We are looking for an experienced Print Estimator to support our U.S.-based sales and production teams. This role is responsible for reviewing incoming quote requests, determining the best production approach, and building accurate, timely estimates that protect margins.

The ideal candidate already understands the language and fundamentals of the printing industry and can confidently evaluate the inputs needed to estimate a print job. Previous print estimating experience is required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review incoming quote requests and determine the appropriate production approach.
• Build accurate and timely print estimates using the company’s MIS system.
• Evaluate production factors such as press requirements, stock/materials, quantities, imposition, finishing, bindery, labor, and other job-specific requirements.
• Use historical job information, inventory, and pricing data to support estimating decisions.
• Work with price books and established pricing structures to develop accurate estimates.
• Identify missing information and determine what inputs are needed to complete an estimate.
• Make reasonable assumptions when appropriate and communicate clearly when additional information is required.
• Collaborate with sales and production teams to ensure estimates reflect production capabilities and customer requirements.
• Maintain fast turnaround times on quote requests while ensuring pricing protects company margins.
• Support estimates across different print categories, which may include commercial print, wide format/signage, direct mail, and labels.

Qualifications:

• Previous estimating experience within the printing industry is required and non-negotiable.
• Strong understanding of print terminology, production processes, and the inputs required to accurately estimate print jobs.
• Experience working with price books, pricing structures, and print job costing.
• Ability to clearly explain how a print estimate is developed from initial request through final pricing.
• Experience using a print-industry MIS, CRM, or estimating system; PrintSmith Vision experience is preferred but not required.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Ability to work Monday–Friday during 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Pacific Time.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience with PrintSmith Vision.
• Experience with commercial printing, wide format/signage, direct mail, or labels.
• Familiarity with job history, inventory, paper/stock pricing, and margin management.