ESTIMATOR / PRINT MANUFACTURING

About the Role

Smyth Companies is looking for a detail-oriented Estimator to join our team in Minneapolis, MN. In this role, you’ll be the key pricing resource for both roll-fed and sheet-fed business opportunities—preparing accurate price estimates, managing customer RFQs, and partnering with Sales, Customer Service, and Purchasing to drive competitive, profitable quotes.

If you love numbers, thrive on managing multiple projects at once, and want to dig into the technical details of the printing industry, this is the role for you.

What We Offer

• $50,000–$75,000 annual salary, depending on experience
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Monday–Friday daytime schedule — no weekends
• Stable, full-time salaried (exempt) position

What You’ll Do

Daily Estimating

• Prepare and distribute accurate price estimates for roll-fed and sheet-fed business opportunities based on customer RFQs
• Maintain a library of formal quote activity through electronic and hard-copy files
• Work with Purchasing to source materials and secure best pricing for non-standard volumes
• Assist Sales and Customer Service with quote revisions and updates to existing pricing
• Maintain quoting parameters in estimating software 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

RFQ / Bid Package Management

• Coordinate and manage the full RFQ process—from receiving requests to finalizing and submitting pricing
• Participate in pricing assumption discussions: run parameters, print frequency, pre-press amortization, and margin targets
• Generate pricing for RFQ line items and upload to customer portals as required
• Manage RFQ timelines to ensure on-time submissions
• Review RFQs for technical production feasibility and escalate as needed

Technical & Strategic Collaboration

• Apply cost drivers—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
• Continuously identify cost savings through press selection, materials, and production methods
• Build knowledge of materials, inks, coatings, and press performance characteristics

What We’re Looking For

Required

• High school diploma or GED
• 3 years of estimating experience (printing, manufacturing, or related industry preferred)
• Strong math and analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced) and Word
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset

Preferred

• 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

About Smyth Companies

Smyth Companies is a leading label printing company with facilities across the Midwest. We’re committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability—and we’re proud to be the team behind labels for some of the most recognized brands in the country. Our Minneapolis facility is a growing operation where your contributions will be seen and valued.

Ready to join us? Apply today!

Smyth Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.