Print Estimator

JOB PURPOSE AND REPORTING STRUCTURE: An Estimator I serves in the Estimating group, and reports to the Business Support Services Manager. The position prepares cost estimates for print, mail and fulfillment jobs, through the use of company-standard job cost software. Estimator I must use experience and judgment to assist in determining the most economical and effective methods of manufacturing, considering characteristics and capabilities of materials, personnel and equipment. In addition, Estimator I is expected to provide leadership within the Estimating group, by administering to daily workload needs, assigning tasks to other estimators, and assisting the Business Support Services Manager in managing the output needs of the Estimating department. Further, Estimator I takes a lead role in understanding new products, services, pieces of equipment, and how that will affect jobs being estimated. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. * Model the company s core values of Customer Success, Integrity, Innovation, Involvement and Excellence. Consistently exhibit above the line behavior. * Develop a strong knowledge of materials used, the most advantageous suppliers, and competitive prices, and communicates this knowledge to others in the Estimating group. * Prepare communication that is distributed to the Estimating group, Business Support Services Manager, Client Services and Sales Reps. * Lead training sessions for Estimating practices given to new members of the Estimating group, and/or other departments within HWI. * Based on specifications from Customers, Project Managers and Sales Reps, an Estimator I uses the company-owned cost estimating system to determine the most economical and effective methods and materials to produce the specifications provided. * When pricing services required that the company is not capable of providing, Estimator I engages with and receives pricing information from outside service providers. * Determine the production centers needed to produce the job as specified. Develops a plan to accommodate all facets of the job. Evaluates all methods available for producing the job and selects the plan which produces the job in the most economical way. * Adhere to turn-time standards for estimates, which are set by the Business Support Services Manager. * Serve as a team-member within the company production workflow by working with Sales Reps and Project Managers in giving customers suggestions for lowering the price of a job. * Work with external suppliers, merchant personnel, and service providers to obtain the best prices possible, as well as stay abreast of any changes in pricing or availability of most commonly used products and services. * Research and recommend cost savings potential to management. * Advise and guide customers when necessary as to specifications of a job (size or style of type, size of book, kind of binding etc.). * Develop knowledge of inventory position, quantity stocked, usage, and reorder points. Stay abreast of on hand products and volumes to be able to make recommendations on substitute and most cost effective materials available. OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: * Must have a complete knowledge of cost accounting, all printing processes, paper, ink, the competitive market and purchasing. * Strong keyboard and computer skills. * Ability to deal well with in plant supervisors, department managers and sales people direct. * Must know all printing equipment available, the respective running speeds for each piece of equipment, and most efficient method for producing any possible job, including all types and grades of paper. * Must have a working knowledge of paper pricing. * Must be able to compute standard costs when the desired figures are not available: determine the quantity of paper, ink, plates and manpower required to complete each job. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: * While Estimator I does not have any direct supervisory responsibilities, the position is expected to showcase leadership among the estimating group and should demonstrate a high level of service to the internal departments at HWI that interact with Estimating. * All employees share in the responsibility to maintain a safe, productive and respectful workplace. Promptly report any unsafe conditions, inappropriate behavior or violations of company policy to your supervisor. If you feel your complaint has not been addressed, contact your Plant Manager or Human Resources for assistance. QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: * College degree in Accounting, Business Administration, and/or Bachelor of Science/Arts equivalent. * 5-7 years experience in Estimating and/or Job Planning is preferred. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Must speak fluent English, and communicate well in written and oral situations. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Math skills, up to and including algebra skills, are required. Estimator I is required to perform math and cost accounting as an essential part of this position, including mental math and quick, efficient calculations. REASONING ABILITY: Problem solving skills and logical thinking are required. Estimator I must be able to receive a variety of estimate requests and be able to efficiently and accurately prepare cost estimates that fit the company production environment. OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Estimator I must be comfortable working under flexible deadlines and work-load requirements, as the nature of estimate requests can change based on priority, customer need, and/or production need. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to sit in a chair for extended periods of time, working on a computer for most job requirements. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, although office personnel will occasionally spend time in the production area and may be exposed to the noise associated with a manufacturing environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. THIS COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY, INTERPRET, OR APPLY THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN ANY WAY THE COMPANY DESIRES. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IN NO WAY IMPLIES THAT THESE ARE THE ONLY DUTIES, INCLUDING ESSENTIAL DUTIES, TO BE PERFORMED BY THE EMPLOYEE OCCUPYING THIS POSITION. THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE. THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP REMAINS AT-WILL. THE AFOREMENTIONED JOB REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE QUALIFIED DISABLED INDIVIDUALS.
Associated topics: bindery, binding, book, collate, digital, flexo, magazines/catalog, offset printer, prepress, press