Talent.com
Operations Manager – Commercial Painting Contractor
Operations Manager – Commercial Painting ContractorPrima Projects Ltd • WorkFromHome, Auckland, New Zealand
Operations Manager – Commercial Painting Contractor

Operations Manager – Commercial Painting Contractor

Prima Projects Ltd • WorkFromHome, Auckland, New Zealand
10 hours ago
Job description

Operations Manager – Commercial Painting Contractor

Prima Projects Ltd – Auckland, North Island

We are looking for an Operations Manager for our commercial painting business. Please find the full position brief below.

Company Overview

  • Location : Auckland (operations across North Island, South Island & South Pacific)
  • Clients : 4-5 of New Zealand's major main contractors

Position Details

  • Title : Operations Manager
  • Reports To : Director
  • Direct Reports : 2 Project Managers, 1 Commercial Manager, Office Team
  • Location : Auckland-based with national travel required
  • Key Responsibilities

    Winning Work (50% of role)

  • Prepare tenders and estimates
  • Price projects accurately from $50k quick jobs to $5M+
  • Build and maintain relationships with main contractor QSs, project managers, and procurement teams
  • Present to clients and negotiate contracts
  • Win more work from existing main contractor clients
  • Target and secure 1-3 major main contractors we don't currently work with
  • Maintain competitive win rate while protecting margins
  • Running Operations (50% of role)

  • Oversee 2 Project Managers (they manage sites, this role oversees their performance)
  • Manage Commercial Manager and office team
  • Ensure 5-8+ concurrent projects deliver on-time and on-budget
  • Full responsibility for business profitability (revenue and costs)
  • Lead team of 40+ across office and site operations
  • Manage resources across both islands
  • Work independently and make decisions without constant direction
  • Maintain client satisfaction and protect company reputation
  • Essential Requirements

  • 10+ years in NZ commercial construction - painting contractor, subcontractor, or main contractor background
  • Expert-level Project Manager's Estimator skills
  • Proven history of winning tenders in $500k-$5M range
  • Strong understanding of margins, cash flow, risk, contract terms
  • Experience managing teams and driving performance
  • Self-sufficient, thrives with autonomy, doesn't need constant oversight
  • Full NZ driver's licence
  • Willing to travel nationally (North Island, South Island, sometimes South Pacific)
  • Highly Valued (Not Essential)

  • Existing relationships with major NZ main contractors
  • Relationships with main contractors we DON'T currently work with
  • Experience managing businesses in $5M-$15M turnover range
  • Background working inside a main contractor (QS, PM, Contracts Manager)
  • Trade qualification in painting or relevant industry certifications
  • Experience in both estimating / tendering AND operations management
  • Performance Incentives

    Revenue Performance Bonus

  • Tiered bonus structure based on annual company turnover
  • Higher turnover = higher bonus percentage
  • Rewards winning work and growing the business
  • No bonus if turnover drops below acceptable threshold
  • Operational Excellence Bonus

  • Project delivery - delivering projects on-time and on-budget
  • Margin protection - maintaining profitability through accurate estimating and cost control
  • Business development - securing new main contractor relationships
  • Total Package : $160k-$310k+ depending on performance

    Benefits : Company vehicle, phone, laptop, genuine autonomy, potential equity discussion after 2-3 years.

    Candidate Profile

    Ideal backgrounds

  • Senior Estimator or Project Manager at a commercial painting contractor ready to step up
  • QS, PM, or Contracts Manager from a main contractor who understands the client side
  • Someone who has worked with main contractors for years and wants autonomy and financial upside
  • Key attributes

  • Wins work - not just manages what others bring in
  • Self-starter - doesn't wait to be told what to do
  • Relationship builder - can maintain and grow client connections
  • Leader - can drive performance without micromanaging
  • Professional presence - credible with main contractor decision-makers
  • Resilient - can handle pressure and make tough decisions
  • This role is NOT suitable for :

  • Someone who needs constant direction or approval
  • Pure estimators with no operational / leadership experience
  • Pure operations people with no tendering / estimating capability
  • Anyone uncomfortable with performance-based pay
  • Someone looking for a comfortable, low-pressure role
  • Market context for candidates

  • Only 5-6 major main contractors build significant projects nationally
  • We work with 4-5 of them - only 1-3 gaps remain
  • Reputation matters - everyone knows everyone
  • Market can turn quickly - need someone who can perform in good times and bad
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

    Create a job alert for this search

    Commercial Manager • WorkFromHome, Auckland, New Zealand

    Related jobs
    GM : Growth & Operations Leader (Remote; Auckland Based)

    GM : Growth & Operations Leader (Remote; Auckland Based)

    Human Collective • WorkFromHome, Auckland, New Zealand
    A dynamic financial data company in Auckland is seeking a General Manager to lead day-to-day operations.This pivotal leadership role involves overseeing commercial operations and growth strategy, e...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Executive General Manager, ANZ Healthcare Operations

    Executive General Manager, ANZ Healthcare Operations

    MoleMap NZ Ltd. • Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
    A leading healthcare organization is seeking an Executive General Manager to oversee operations across its clinics in Australia and New Zealand. You will be responsible for driving operational excel...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Head Of Commercial

    Head Of Commercial

    Nine Twenty • WorkFromHome, Auckland, New Zealand
    Head Of Commercial - European Region.Can be based anywhere in Europe.Our client is a New Zealand-based company revolutionizing the spirits industry. Their proprietary technology delivers rapid matur...Show more
    Last updated: 19 days ago • Promoted
    Painter Recruitment

    Painter Recruitment

    ICON BUILDING LTD • Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
    Icon Building Limited is an established company based in Auckland, providing professional building and construction services. We are expanding our team and are seeking skilled painters to join our w...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Operations and Commercial Manager

    Operations and Commercial Manager

    Dredging New Zealand Limited • Waitakere Ranges, Auckland, New Zealand
    Dredging New Zealand Limited – Waitakere, North Island.Dredging New Zealand is seeking a highly skilled Senior Operations Manager to lead our operational and commercial activities as we enter an ex...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Strategic Bids & Pursuits Leader

    Strategic Bids & Pursuits Leader

    AECOM • WorkFromHome, Auckland, New Zealand
    A global infrastructure consulting firm is seeking a Bids & Pursuits Partner to lead the coordination of complex submissions. In this vital role, you will partner with Capture Managers, develop comp...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Property Rentals Branch Manager — Build Your National Team

    Property Rentals Branch Manager — Build Your National Team

    ACE Accommodation International Limited • Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
    A property management firm in Auckland seeks a Branch Manager to oversee rental operations.You will manage rental agreements, ensure excellent customer service, and have the opportunity to earn bet...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Partner

    Partner

    Aura Consulting • Devonport-Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand
    Our client is a well-established general law practice based in Devonport, known for providing practical, high-quality legal advice to a loyal and diverse client base. With particular strength in cor...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Head of Aged Care Operations

    Head of Aged Care Operations

    New Zealand Aged Care Services • Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
    A healthcare service provider in Auckland seeks a well-experienced General Manager – Operations.You will oversee multiple care homes, ensuring residents receive exceptional care.This role includes ...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Farm Operations Manager – Dual Site (Kumeu & Parakai)

    Farm Operations Manager – Dual Site (Kumeu & Parakai)

    Interglobal Limited • Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
    A health supplement and nutraceutical company is seeking an experienced Farm Manager for their farms in Kumeu and Parakai, Auckland. The role involves planning and managing daily operations, supervi...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    National Sales Director- Envoyage

    National Sales Director- Envoyage

    Flight Centre Travel Group • WorkFromHome, Auckland, New Zealand
    About the role | Mō te Tūranga.Focused on new business acquisition, sales process, and support / stick.Build and maintain multi-level relationships with brokers and agencies.Present Envoyage products...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    National Sales Director- Envoyage

    National Sales Director- Envoyage

    Envoyage NZ • WorkFromHome, Auckland, New Zealand
    Open up the world to those who want to see _ whakatuwhera te ao ki te hunga e hiahia ana ki te kite.Drive growth across New Zealand’s independent travel network. About the role | Mō te Tūranga.Focus...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Operations Manager – Exhibition, Retail and Point of Sales Display

    Operations Manager – Exhibition, Retail and Point of Sales Display

    Lifework NZ • Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
    Operations Manager – Exhibition, Retail and Point of Sales Display.Exhibition, Retail and Point of Sales Display, interior or temporary building construction. We are a family‑run business operating ...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    APAC Operations Lead : Scale Growth & Partnerships

    APAC Operations Lead : Scale Growth & Partnerships

    Magic Memories • Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
    A global leader in tourism photography is seeking a Head of Operations for the APAC region to ensure operational excellence across Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. You will drive financial performa...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Painter

    Painter

    SAKA PAINTING LIMITED • Auckland City, Auckland, New Zealand
    HIRING NOW - PAINTERS WANTED (Woodwork & Finishing Specialist) .Company Name : Saka Painting Limited .We are seeking skilled and reliable Painters with knowledge of wood finishing and surface coatin...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    Painter & Panel Beater

    Painter & Panel Beater

    LET'S WORK IN NZ LTD • Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
    Our Client is looking for Experienced Automotive Spray Painter & Panel Beater to Join their team.Experienced Automotive Spray Painter & Panel Beater to Join their team. Minimum 40 hours guaranteed, ...Show more
    Last updated: 30+ days ago • Promoted
    Strategic CFO : Construction & Property Growth

    Strategic CFO : Construction & Property Growth

    UBT Recruitment • WorkFromHome, Auckland, New Zealand
    A respected construction organization in New Zealand is seeking an experienced CFO to lead financial operations.The role involves mentoring finance teams, providing strategic advice, and ensuring c...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!
    National Sales Director- Envoyage

    National Sales Director- Envoyage

    Envoyage • WorkFromHome, Auckland, New Zealand
    Open up the world to those who want to see _ whakatuwhera te ao ki te hunga e hiahia ana ki te kite.Drive growth across New Zealand’s independent travel network. This is a dynamic sales role focused...Show more
    Last updated: 10 hours ago • Promoted • New!