What are the responsibilities and job description for the Print Estimator position at ICS Corporation?
About Us: ICS Corporation is a family-owned direct mail and marketing company headquartered in West Deptford, New Jersey. Founded in 1965, ICS has grown into a trusted partner for some of the nation’s largest companies, helping elevate their marketing outreach through innovative, creative, and cost-effective solutions. With a commitment to quality, collaboration, and the employee experience, ICS continues to grow across its family of companies.
Job Summary: ICS Corporation is seeking a motivated, analytical, and detail-oriented Print Estimator to join our growing team. The Print Estimator is responsible for evaluating project specifications, preparing accurate cost estimates, and determining the materials, labor, equipment, and production processes required to complete print and direct mail projects.
This role works closely with Sales, Client Services, Outsourcing, and external vendors to develop competitive customer quotes, support informed pricing decisions, and ensure projects meet profitability objectives. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment.
Responsibilities:
Job Summary: ICS Corporation is seeking a motivated, analytical, and detail-oriented Print Estimator to join our growing team. The Print Estimator is responsible for evaluating project specifications, preparing accurate cost estimates, and determining the materials, labor, equipment, and production processes required to complete print and direct mail projects.
This role works closely with Sales, Client Services, Outsourcing, and external vendors to develop competitive customer quotes, support informed pricing decisions, and ensure projects meet profitability objectives. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates and customer quotes for printing, converting, and direct mail projects.
- Collaborate with Sales Representatives and Account Managers to review customer requirements, project specifications, and pricing expectations.
- Analyze job specifications, including print quantities, paper stock, dimensions, finishing requirements, production methods, and mailing specifications, to determine project costs.
- Calculate anticipated material usage, labor requirements, machine time, outside services, and other production expenses.
- Request and evaluate pricing from outside vendors and suppliers to support accurate and cost-effective estimates.
- Review project costs, pricing structures, and anticipated margins to assess profitability and support business objectives.
- Identify potential production challenges, material waste, shipping considerations, and other variables that may affect project costs or timelines.
- Coordinate with the Outsourcing Department to transition approved estimates into active jobs, ensuring specifications, costs, and project details are communicated accurately.
- Maintain organized and accurate estimating records, quote documentation, and supporting cost information.
- Review estimates for accuracy and completeness while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize profitability.
- Communicate with internal departments and vendors to clarify specifications, resolve discrepancies, and support timely project execution.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Printing Technology, Graphic Communications, or a related field preferred.
- Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and build effective relationships with vendors.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in commercial printing, direct mail, production estimating, or print manufacturing is a plus.