Estimator

Job Title: Estimator Department: Estimating

Reports To: Estimating/Planning/Scheduling Leader FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Shift: Hybrid- 2 days in office Wage Range: $ 23.71-35.57

• Base pay is based on job-related skills, experience, credentials, role scope, and location. Candidates outside the posted range are encouraged to apply, as qualifications and market factors may influence consideration.

Job Summary: The Estimator is responsible for developing accurate and timely cost estimates for client projects, including initial pricing, change orders, and special requests. This role requires a detailed understanding of print production processes, materials, and labor requirements, especially within direct mail and catalog environments. The Estimator collaborates with internal departments and external partners to ensure estimates align with project specifications and organizational profitability goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze project specifications to estimate labor, materials, equipment, and vendor services for all phases of production.

• Generate accurate and timely cost estimates using established costing systems and industry standards.

• Maintain and update estimating standards, tools, and templates.

• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Production, and Purchasing teams to gather project requirements and ensure alignment.

• Work with the buyer team to ensure material pricing and supplier information is current and accurate.

• Support daily estimating workload distribution across the department to ensure timely quoting.

• Monitor and maintain rate files for labor, spoilage, and materials to ensure up-to-date costing inputs.

• Track and incorporate the latest equipment capabilities, process changes and market trends into estimates.

• Identify cost-saving opportunities and alternative production methods when applicable.

• Participate in vendor reviews and assist in sourcing cost-effective materials and services.

• Ensure all quotes meet profitability benchmarks and support company financial goals.

• Assist other areas of the department or company as required.

• Follow all Nahan safety and quality policies and procedures.

• Support 6S initiatives as required.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills Abilities Required:

• In-depth knowledge of printing, bindery, and mailing/lettershop processes; direct mail and catalog industry experience highly preferred.

• Strong analytical and math skills, with demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail.

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, cost estimating software, and ERP systems.

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.

• Strong negotiation and vendor communication skills.

• Flexible and adaptable to shifting business needs or priorities.

• Proficient/Fluent with English language, both written and verbal.

Education and Experience:

• Degree in Math, Accounting, Graphic Arts, Computer Science, or a related field; and/or

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in print estimating, preferably within the direct mail or catalog industry.

Benefits

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• 100% Employer Paid Life Insurance

• 100% Employer Paid Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Other Voluntary Employee Benefits i.e. (Accident & Critical Illness)

• 401K & Profit Sharing with Employer Match

• Vacation/Holiday/Sick & Safe Time

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The work environmental characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job operates in a Manufacturing/Office environment. While performing the duties of this job inside the manufacturing facility/Office, the employee is frequently exposed from normal to moderate working conditions to a manufacturing facility/office with a noise level that can vary from quiet to loud. The role routinely uses office machinery, computers and technology.

While performing the duties of this job, this position requires frequent verbal, and/or written communication and active engagement with others, as well as the ability to remain attentive and responsive in a dynamic office/production environment. The employee may be required to stand for long periods of time as well as use hands or fingers to reach or handle, and to reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee will regularly lift 15lbs or more at a time. All vision abilities are required to encompass close-up work. Employees must be able to tolerate and endure extended seasonal hours and maintain alertness to meet deadlines.

Occasionally while performing duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to machinery and moving parts, airborne particles including paper dust and hazardous materials or fumes, which may require the use of PPE. The employee may be exposed to adverse weather conditions, extended seasonal hours, high precarious places, and confined spaces. The nose level in some of the work environments may require the use of hearing protection.

About the Company

Nahan was founded 60 plus years ago by a local family in the heart of Minnesota. It is a deeply human company from how we work with each other, how we serve our clients, to how we reach customers. We provide full service direct marketing with award winning results. Innovation and insight inform everything we do. Our success is rooted in putting people first, doing the right thing for our clients and associates and delivering the highest levels of quality. In a world where personalization and customization are valued above all, we make messages feel personal while keeping the process simple. We’re here to listen to, create and deliver results to our clients. Our winning track record is based on proof, not promises. We consistently deliver big wins, better performance and continual growth for marketers. We’re Nahan-real people making real connections.

Disclaimer

This job description is not a complete description of responsibility but reflects the general qualifications, duties and/or responsibilities necessary to perform this position. All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to successfully complete and pass a background check, a physical test, as well as test for commonly abused controlled substances in accordance with the Company’s Drug Free Workplace Policy. Nahan reserves the right to revise the job description as a circumstance warrant. Nahan is an at-will employer, which means that either the employee or the company may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause.

Base pay is based on job-related skills, experience, credentials, role scope, and location. Candidates outside the posted range are encouraged to apply, as qualifications and market factors may influence consideration.

Nahan is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic projected by law.