Estimator for Commercial Printing

Estimator – Commercial Printing

• Department: Estimating / Production Planning
• Reports To: Operations Manager / VP of Operations
• Location: Tustin, CA soon to be Fullerton, CA – Open to Remote

Position Summary

The Estimator is responsible for accurately estimating production costs and preparing detailed quotes for commercial print projects across offset, digital, and large-format manufacturing environments. This role evaluates specifications, determines the most efficient production methods, and supports sales, production, and customer service by providing timely, accurate, and competitive pricing. The Estimator plays a key role in job planning, cost control, and maintaining profitability while ensuring superior customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Quoting

- Review job specifications, artwork, and customer requirements to develop accurate cost estimates for offset, digital, and wide-format print production.

- Select optimal production paths considering materials, press capabilities, labor, finishing, and outsourcing needs.

- Prepare detailed job estimates and formal quotations within required turnaround times.

- Maintain current knowledge of paper, substrates, inks, consumables, and finishing equipment.

- Calculate labor, materials, machine time, waste factors, and vendor costs.

- Collaborate with Sales and Customer Service to clarify specs and recommend cost-effective alternatives.

Project & Production Coordination

- Work closely with Production, Prepress, Purchasing, and Finishing to ensure estimates align with actual shop capabilities.

- Communicate special production requirements, constraints, or risks to internal teams.

- Support scheduling and job planning when needed, ensuring smooth production handoff.

- Track and update pricing for materials, equipment rates, and outside services.

Data & Cost Management

- Analyze historical data to refine estimating accuracy and identify cost-savings opportunities.

- Ensure estimates align with company pricing models and margin expectations.

- Maintain and update estimating systems, rate tables, materials lists, and vendor price files.

- Assist with profitability analysis and cost-to-produce studies.

Customer & Sales Support

- Provide technical expertise to Sales on production approaches, substrates, finishing options, and cost drivers.

- Recommend alternative specifications when beneficial to quality, turnaround, or cost.

- Respond to sales inquiries, RFPs, and urgent quote requests in a timely, professional manner.

Qualifications

Required

- 3–5 years estimating experience in the commercial printing industry (offset, digital, and large format).

- Strong understanding of:

- Sheetfed offset printing

- Digital print workflows

- Large-format printing

- Experience with print estimating software (EFI/PrintSmith, Pace, Avanti, Midnight, or similar).

- Strong math skills and ability to handle multiple estimates simultaneously.

- Knowledge of bindery/finishing processes.

- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to interpret artwork, job dockets, CAD layouts, and production specifications.

Preferred

- Background in production planning or print operations.

- Experience with wide-format finishing.

- Familiarity with MIS/ERP systems.

- Strong Excel and data analysis capability.

Core Competencies

- Accuracy & attention to detail

- Technical production knowledge

- Cost analysis & mathematical proficiency

- Time management

- Collaboration across departments

- Customer-centric mindset

- Problem solving and specification optimization

Physical & Work Environment

- Standard office environment within a production facility.

- Occasional time on the production floor.

- Ability to sit, stand, and review physical samples/artwork as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

- Pay Range: $52,000 – $70,000 annually, based on experience.

- Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Paid Time Off (PTO).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $52,000 - $70,000