Estimator

Join the Imagine team•Charlotte, NC

18d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Imagine we go beyond print to help our clients deliver game-changing visual communications from concept to delivery that set the standard for our industry. The first step in this process is hiring great employees! Our innovation teams are the most committed, highly experienced artisans in the business. We are committed to delivering high-quality marketing solutions, in every environment and campaign, helping our clients capture the heart, minds, and loyalty of their customers. For more than 30 years, The Imagine Group has established itself as one of the most influential and innovative visual communications companies in the industry. Join us and let's Imagine a better way together. Job Summary: The Estimator is a multi-faceted position responsible primarily for estimating the direct cost of bid opportunities and live jobs; including but not limited to digital and screen print, prepress, finishing, bindery, and kitting. Position often coordinates outsourcing work, conducts pricing and cost analytics, and broadly supports administrative functions for operations/manufacturing.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Previous experience estimating offset, wide format and/or dye sublimation printing jobs.
Experience working with ERP systems.
Working knowledge of offset and wide format printing processes.
Ability to read and understand oral/written instructions.
Math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers and fractions.
Works independently, coordinates well with a cohesive team.
Flexible, self-managed and able to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple projects, multiple details and tight deadlines, often with competing demands.
Ability to learn & retain knowledge of substrates, print processes, issues that affect quality, color, and imaging.
Ability to communicate complex and/or technical topics in understandable “layperson’s terms.”

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in graphic communications, Accounting, or relevant quantitative or manufacturing-oriented field.
Basic ability with Adobe Creative Suite (primarily Illustrator and Acrobat for this position).
Some experience with computer programming may be useful, specifically JavaScript experience.
Some experience with accounting and a minimal understanding of GAAP.
General understanding of warehousing & logistics industry practices.
Some experience managing projects or leading a team.

Responsibilities

Draft plans for potential jobs and estimate direct cost, as well as estimating job costs after-the-fact based on specifications from Sales Reps and CSR’s.
Uses ERP system to prepare estimates.
Spreadsheet manipulation, pricing analytics, geometry, algebra.
Gathering and comparing quotes, placing purchase orders after verifying competitive pricing.
Develops knowledge of materials used, the best suppliers and competitive prices.
Research vendors, solutions, equipment, and drafting documentation.
Act as a purchasing agent as well as supporting various administrative functions of the Purchasing department.
Provide guidance and education on an array of manufacturing-related subjects.
Advise and guide customers, when necessary, as to specifications of a job (size or style of type, size of book, kind of binding, etc.)
Verify timelines & material availability and compare against press schedules to ensure the actual ability to fulfill an estimated job.
Determine the production centers needed to produce the job as specified.
Develop a plan to accommodate all facets of the job.
Evaluate all methods available for producing the job and selects the plan which produces the job in the most economical way.
Coordinate bids to outside vendors or other intercompany facilities for work which has been deemed not feasible to produce in-house.
Provide input and direction on various aspects of a given project; including substrates, print process, specific press, finishing methods, packaging methods, etc.
Uses a MIS to prepare estimates and MRP system to assist with administrative Purchasing & Inventory functions.
Performs other duties as requested.