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 ManagerReports To : DirectorDirect Reports : 2 Project Managers, 1 Commercial Manager, Office TeamLocation : Auckland-based with national travel requiredKey Responsibilities
Winning Work (50% of role)
Prepare tenders and estimatesPrice projects accurately from $50k quick jobs to $5M+Build and maintain relationships with main contractor QSs, project managers, and procurement teamsPresent to clients and negotiate contractsWin more work from existing main contractor clientsTarget and secure 1-3 major main contractors we don't currently work withMaintain competitive win rate while protecting marginsRunning Operations (50% of role)
Oversee 2 Project Managers (they manage sites, this role oversees their performance)Manage Commercial Manager and office teamEnsure 5-8+ concurrent projects deliver on-time and on-budgetFull responsibility for business profitability (revenue and costs)Lead team of 40+ across office and site operationsManage resources across both islandsWork independently and make decisions without constant directionMaintain client satisfaction and protect company reputationEssential Requirements
10+ years in NZ commercial construction - painting contractor, subcontractor, or main contractor backgroundExpert-level Project Manager's Estimator skillsProven history of winning tenders in $500k-$5M rangeStrong understanding of margins, cash flow, risk, contract termsExperience managing teams and driving performanceSelf-sufficient, thrives with autonomy, doesn't need constant oversightFull NZ driver's licenceWilling to travel nationally (North Island, South Island, sometimes South Pacific)Highly Valued (Not Essential)
Existing relationships with major NZ main contractorsRelationships with main contractors we DON'T currently work withExperience managing businesses in $5M-$15M turnover rangeBackground working inside a main contractor (QS, PM, Contracts Manager)Trade qualification in painting or relevant industry certificationsExperience in both estimating / tendering AND operations managementPerformance Incentives
Revenue Performance Bonus
Tiered bonus structure based on annual company turnoverHigher turnover = higher bonus percentageRewards winning work and growing the businessNo bonus if turnover drops below acceptable thresholdOperational Excellence Bonus
Project delivery - delivering projects on-time and on-budgetMargin protection - maintaining profitability through accurate estimating and cost controlBusiness development - securing new main contractor relationshipsTotal 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 upQS, PM, or Contracts Manager from a main contractor who understands the client sideSomeone who has worked with main contractors for years and wants autonomy and financial upsideKey attributes
Wins work - not just manages what others bring inSelf-starter - doesn't wait to be told what to doRelationship builder - can maintain and grow client connectionsLeader - can drive performance without micromanagingProfessional presence - credible with main contractor decision-makersResilient - can handle pressure and make tough decisionsThis role is NOT suitable for :
Someone who needs constant direction or approvalPure estimators with no operational / leadership experiencePure operations people with no tendering / estimating capabilityAnyone uncomfortable with performance-based paySomeone looking for a comfortable, low-pressure roleMarket context for candidates
Only 5-6 major main contractors build significant projects nationallyWe work with 4-5 of them - only 1-3 gaps remainReputation matters - everyone knows everyoneMarket can turn quickly - need someone who can perform in good times and bad#J-18808-Ljbffr