Lead national operations for a major commercial painting contractor with full autonomy, strong earning potential and real industry influence.
We’re representing a well-established commercial painting contractor seeking a driven Operations Manager to lead nationwide operations. This role offers full autonomy, strong financial upside and the opportunity to run a busy painting business day-to-day while the Director focuses on other ventures.
This is a senior leadership position suited to someone who knows the painting industry, understands trade pricing, and can confidently manage both estimating and operational delivery.
About the Role
This role is split between winning painting projects (approx. 50%) and overseeing nationwide painting operations (approx. 50%).
You’ll lead a team of Project Managers, a Commercial Manager and office staff while carrying full responsibility for revenue, margins and overall performance.
Key Responsibilities Winning Painting Work (50%)
• Prepare tenders and pricing for painting packages from $50K quick-turn works to $5M+ complex commercial projects
• Estimate labour, materials and access equipment accurately for repaint, new-build, and large-scale commercial scopes
• Build relationships with main contractor QSs, PMs and procurement teams
• Present bids and negotiate painting contracts
• Grow existing client accounts and secure 1–3 new major main contractor relationships
• Maintain competitive pricing while protecting margins
Delivering Painting Operations (50%)
• Oversee Project Managers who run day-to-day site delivery across the North Island, South Island and occasional South Pacific work
• Lead a team of 40+ painters, ensuring quality workmanship, safety and trade coordination
• Monitor productivity, resourcing and programme requirements across multiple concurrent painting projects
• Manage Commercial Manager and office team to ensure accurate cost reporting and invoicing
• Maintain strong client satisfaction and uphold the company’s reputation for quality
• Ensure painting projects are delivered on time, on budget and to specification
About You You will bring:
• 10+ years’ experience in NZ commercial construction — painting contractor, subcontractor or main contractor background
• Strong estimating experience for painting scopes
• Proven ability to win tenders in the $500K–$5M range
• Experience leading teams and overseeing multiple painting projects
• Deep understanding of margins, cashflow, variations and contract terms
• Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Self-sufficient work style — able to run operations without constant direction
• Willingness to travel nationally as required
• Full NZ driver’s licence
Highly Valuable (Not Essential):
• Existing relationships with NZ main contractors
• Experience working in businesses with $5M–$15M turnover
• Painting trade knowledge or relevant industry certifications
• Experience in both estimating AND operations management
Compensation Package Base Salary: $140,000
Performance Bonuses:
Turnover Bonus:
• $7M–$8M: 0.5% ($35K–$40K)
• $8M–$10M: 0.75% ($60K–$75K)
• $10M+: 1% ($100K+)
Operational Excellence Bonus (up to $50K):
• On-time/on-budget delivery: $20K
• Margin protection: $15K
• New main contractor relationships: $15K
Total earning potential: $160K–$310K depending on annual performance
Benefits:
• Company vehicle (Ute/SUV)
• Laptop + mobile
• National travel
• Genuine autonomy
• Potential equity/partnership discussions after 2–3 years
Who This Role Will Suit
Ideal for someone who:
• Has painting industry experience (contractor or subcontractor)
• Can price painting work AND lead operations
• Enjoys autonomy and running a business-like environment
• Builds strong relationships with main contractor decision-makers
• Thrives in a fast-paced, high-accountability role
Not suitable for:
• Pure estimators with no leadership experience
• Pure operations staff without pricing experience
• Anyone who requires constant direction
• Someone seeking a relaxed or low-pressure role
How to Apply
If you’re ready to lead operations for a respected commercial painting contractor — with full autonomy and significant earning potential — we’d love to hear from you. Apply with your CV and a brief cover letter.
021296124
Luke@lynx.co.nz