Estimator

The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive, and complete estimates for print, direct mail, wide format, fulfillment, and other production-related projects. This position evaluates customer specifications, determines appropriate production methods, calculates material and production requirements, incorporates outside services when necessary, and prepares estimates that support both customer needs and company profitability. The Estimator works closely with Sales, Project Coordinators, Production, Purchasing, and Operations to ensure estimates are complete, manufacturable, and based on accurate production and cost information.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Reviews estimate requests and customer specifications for completeness and accuracy.

· Develops detailed estimates using Monarch and other applicable estimating tools.

· Determines appropriate production methods, equipment, materials, labor requirements, finishing processes, and outside services.

· Evaluates alternative production methods to identify efficient and cost-effective manufacturing solutions.

· Calculates material requirements, production quantities, setup requirements, spoilage, and other applicable cost factors.

· Establishes pricing for required outside services during the estimating process.

· Obtains vendor pricing when outside manufacturing, specialty services, or purchased components are required.

· Identifies missing, conflicting, or unclear specifications and work with Sales or Project Coordinators to resolve questions before completing an estimate.

· Reviews production capabilities and limitations when determining how work should be produced.

· Maintains accurate estimating notes, assumptions, specifications, and supporting documentation.

· Reviews estimates for accuracy and completeness before release.

· Assist Sales and Client Services with questions regarding pricing, production methods, materials, and estimate assumptions.

· Works with Production and Operations to improve estimating accuracy based on actual manufacturing performance.

· Supports continuous improvement of estimating standards, workflows, and system information.

· Provides support to other Estimators and departments as business needs require.

· Duties performed in this job may require the handling of Protected Health Information or other confidential material. Therefore, the employee is required to follow all policies and procedures outlined in the company’s HIPAA related documentation and are subject to the defined sanctions in the event that they should inappropriately use or disclose confidential material.

· Follows all mandated safety protocols. Think Patented is committed to the safety of its employees and requires strict adherence to all safety procedures, including but not limited to, machine specific procedures, personal protective equipment, dress code, restricted areas, lock out / tag out procedures, walking and working surface standards, and fall protection systems.

· Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· Previous experience in estimating, printing, manufacturing, production planning, or a related environment preferred.

· Understanding of commercial print production methods, materials, finishing, and manufacturing workflows preferred.

· Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

· Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

· Ability to interpret customer specifications and translate them into production requirements.

· Ability to manage multiple estimates, priorities, and deadlines.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively with Sales, Production, Purchasing, Client Services, and outside vendors.

· Comfortable learning and using estimating systems, spreadsheets, Microsoft 365 applications, and other business technology.

· Experience with Monarch or similar print estimating/ERP systems is preferred.