ESTIMATOR / PRINT MANUFACTURING

Smyth Companies LLC•Minneapolis, MN

12d•$50,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

Smyth Companies is seeking a detail-oriented Estimator in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Estimator serves as the pricing resource for roll-fed and sheet-fed business opportunities, preparing accurate estimates, managing customer requests for quotations (RFQs), and collaborating with Sales, Customer Service, and Purchasing to produce competitive, profitable quotes. The role involves managing multiple projects and working with technical details of the printing industry. The Estimator prepares and distributes estimates, maintains quote records, supports pricing updates, and works with Purchasing to source materials. The position also coordinates RFQ and bid package workflows, evaluates production feasibility, and collaborates with Sales, Operations, and corporate estimating leadership on strategic pricing. The role includes identifying potential cost savings and building knowledge of materials, inks, coatings, and press performance. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with a Monday–Friday daytime schedule and no weekends. The listed annual salary range is $50,000–$75,000, depending on experience. Smyth Companies describes itself as a leading label printing company with facilities across the Midwest and a commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 3 years of estimating experience; printing, manufacturing, or a related industry is preferred.
Strong math and analytical skills.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and proficiency in Microsoft Word.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Job Costing, Math, Statistics, or a related field.
Familiarity with roll-fed and/or sheet-fed printing processes.
Experience with estimating software and customer pricing portals.
Understanding of press capabilities, material specifications, and production optimization.
Estimating experience in printing, manufacturing, or a related industry.

Responsibilities

Prepare and distribute accurate price estimates for roll-fed and sheet-fed opportunities based on customer RFQs.
Maintain formal quote activity records in electronic and hard-copy files.
Work with Purchasing to source materials and secure pricing for non-standard volumes.
Assist Sales and Customer Service with quote revisions and updates to existing pricing.
Maintain estimating software quoting parameters under department leadership guidance.
Help establish final computerized job plans for Customer Service when applicable.
Compile and track actuals to inform current and future pricing opportunities.
Coordinate the RFQ process from receiving requests through finalizing and submitting pricing.
Participate in pricing assumption discussions, including run parameters, print frequency, pre-press amortization, and margin targets.
Generate pricing for RFQ line items and upload pricing to customer portals as required.
Manage RFQ timelines to ensure on-time submissions.
Review RFQs for technical production feasibility and escalate issues as needed.
Apply cost drivers, including run rates, waste assumptions, and margin targets, to align pricing with company objectives.
Partner with Sales, Operations, and the Director of Corporate Estimating on strategic pricing for large or non-standard bids.
Identify cost-saving opportunities through press selection, materials, and production methods.
Build knowledge of materials, inks, coatings, and press performance characteristics.