Estimating Team Lead

About the Company:

At Japs-Olson (JO), we believe a career should be more than a job—it should be an opportunity to create a lasting impression. As a trusted leader in direct mail and commercial printing for over a century, JO is proud to be an employer of choice in the Twin Cities, empowering our team to solve problems creatively within a culture of collaboration and growth.

Whether you're a recent graduate eager to launch your career, seeking meaningful work that aligns with your values, or a seasoned professional ready to share your expertise, JO is a place where your contributions can make a difference. We offer competitive benefits, career advancement opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance, all within a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to grow and succeed.

Join JO, where progress is celebrated, people are uplifted, and your ideas can make a difference every day.

The Estimating Team Lead is responsible for managing and executing estimating tasks for print and production projects of all complexity levels. This role serves as a key liaison between Sales, Customer Success Representatives (CSRs), production leads, and external vendors, ensuring accurate and timely estimates. The Team Lead also supports department standards, provides mentorship, and acts as the department’s point of contact in the absence of the Director.

Pay Range: $85,000 - $105,000

Leadership, Mentorship & Oversight

• Lead the estimating team, ensuring timely and accurate completion of estimates.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the department when the Director is unavailable.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, supporting skill development and cross-functional collaboration.
• Review estimates for accuracy and consistency and help establish and maintain departmental standards and best practices.
• Support the development of foundational and advanced estimating skills across the team.

Estimating & Planning

• Independently manage estimating tasks for projects ranging from simple to highly complex.
• Collaborate with Sales, CSRs, production leads, and outside vendors to gather project requirements.
• Create inline press planning diagrams with input from the pressroom.
• Plan print layouts for various presses and finishing/mailing processes.
• Serve as a resource for paper types, finishes, vendors, and outside services.
• Provide guidance and support for spreadsheet-based analysis and vendor comparisons.
• Utilize estimating software and tools (e.g., Word, Excel) to generate reports and insights.
• Maintain a growing understanding of estimating tools and their functions.
• Review and manage estimating task lists and ensure alignment with production capabilities.

• Extensive experience in print estimating, with strong involvement in production departments.
• Deep technical knowledge of print production, finishing, and mailing processes.
• Expertise in paper types, finishes, and vendor relationships, including outside production services.
• Proficiency in estimating tools, planning techniques, and spreadsheet-based analysis.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and other analytical/reporting tools.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and ability to support departmental operations and decision-making.
• Strong communication and mentoring skills, with a track record of cross-functional collaboration.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in all estimating tasks.
• Ability to work independently while continuing to learn company-specific processes and tools.
• Adaptability to new estimating software and evolving production workflows.
• Foundational understanding of materials, equipment, and services used in print and mail production.

• Affordable medical insurance plans
• Vision and dental insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contributions
• 401(k) savings plan with company contributions
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Paid holidays and floating holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Short and long-term disability

JO is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.

The pay range listed reflects typical compensation based on market data, generally between the 25th and 75th percentile for similar roles. Where you land within that range depends on your experience, skills, and qualifications. Our recruiters will keep you in the loop throughout the process, so you know where you stand. We’re committed to fair and open conversations every step of the way.