Print Estimator

Position Overview

AlphaGraphics is seeking a detail-oriented, mathematically sharp Print Estimator & Production Planner to join our team.

No prior print industry experience is required. While technical print knowledge is a plus, our primary focus is finding someone with exceptional analytical capability, mental math agility, and spatial logic. If you love solving numerical puzzles, optimizing dimensional layouts, and efficient workflows, we will teach you the technical specifics of commercial digital and wide-format printing.

In this role, you will be the analytical backbone of our operation - turning client ideas into mathematically sound, profitable job quotes and actionable production routes.

Key Responsibilities

• Cost Analysis & Quoting: Review client project briefs to calculate accurate pricing, turnaround times, and required quantities of labor and materials (paper stock, rigid boards, vinyl, inks, and bindery).

• Margin & Markup Application: Apply structured pricing formulas, balancing markup and gross profit margins across varied service tiers (in-house digital print, wide-format, and outsourced trade services).

• Spatial Imposition & Sheet Optimization: Determine the most efficient layout to maximize sheet and roll utilization, minimizing scrap and machine run-time.

• Production Routing: Outline step-by-step production paths for accepted orders (e.g., printing $\to$ laminating $\to$ plotting/cutting $\to$ folding $\to$ packaging) to ensure smooth shop-floor execution.

• Vendor Sourcing & Coordination: Solicit and evaluate pricing from outside trade vendors for specialized finishes (foil stamping, die-cutting, specialty substrates, bulk logistics).

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner directly with the sales team to suggest budget-friendly design modifications for clients and work with machine operators to verify setup and scrap rates.

What We Are Looking For

• Analytical & Quantitative Acuity: Rapid, accurate mental arithmetic and algebra skills; immediate comfort differentiating gross margin from markup, calculating percentages, and prorating costs.

• Spatial Reasoning: High visual-spatial aptitude; ability to look at 2D flat sheets, roll widths, and 3D folded finished products to figure out optimal yields and cutting paths.

• Attention to Detail: Habitual inclination to audit project specs, catch data inconsistencies, and double-check multi-variable calculations.

• Critical Thinking Under Pressure: Ability to extract missing parameters from vague project descriptions and prioritize fast turnarounds without sacrificing accuracy.

• Software Literacy: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets (formulas, lookups, structured templates). Comfort learning proprietary Print Management Information Systems (MIS).

Qualifications

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Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate or bachelor’s degree in a quantitative or business discipline (e.g., Finance, Accounting, Mathematics, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration) is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated background in quantitative work, scheduling, inventory control, or cost estimation (experience in construction estimation, logistics planning, manufacturing, or retail inventory translates exceptionally well).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to interface clearly with sales reps and production staff.