Project Manager / Estimator
Union Commercial Painting Contractor - Painting Solutions
Position Summary
The Project Manager / Estimator is responsible for developing accurate, competitive estimates and managing awarded commercial painting projects from turnover through closeout. This role combines estimating, planning, customer communication, cost control, field coordination, and project administration to deliver safe, high-quality work on schedule and within budget.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Estimating & Preconstruction
· Review plans, specifications, addenda, bid invitations, and contract requirements to determine project scope and risk.
· Perform quantity takeoffs for interior and exterior painting, coatings, wallcovering, specialty finishes, surface preparation, access requirements, and related work as applicable.
· Develop labor, material, equipment, subcontractor, and production-rate assumptions using historical data, field knowledge, and company standards.
· Solicit and evaluate vendor and subcontractor pricing; identify exclusions, clarifications, alternates, allowances, and value-engineering opportunities.
· Prepare complete estimates and bid proposals with clear scope descriptions, qualifications, and commercial terms.
· Attend pre-bid meetings and site walks; identify access, phasing, schedule, safety, substrate, and logistics conditions that may affect cost or execution.
· Maintain estimating records, bid documents, takeoffs, proposal revisions, and bid status information in company systems.
· Support handoff of awarded projects by documenting estimate assumptions, scope, production expectations, and identified risks.
Project Management & Execution
· Lead assigned projects from award through completion, including startup, planning, procurement, execution, billing support, punch list, and closeout.
· Review contracts, purchase orders, subcontracts, plans, specifications, schedules, and scope documents to confirm project requirements and responsibilities.
· Develop project budgets, cost codes, procurement plans, labor forecasts, schedules, and project-specific execution plans.
· Coordinate with field supervision to establish manpower needs, sequencing, production goals, access plans, material staging, and quality expectations.
· Monitor job costs, labor productivity, committed costs, material usage, schedule performance, and forecast-at-completion; take corrective action when needed.
· Prepare and manage submittals, product data, color schedules, RFIs, change orders, notices, daily documentation, and other project correspondence.
· Identify changes in scope or conditions promptly, document impacts, price change work, and pursue written authorization before proceeding when practical.
· Coordinate material purchases and deliveries to support the project schedule while minimizing waste, premium freight, and unnecessary inventory.
· Participate in project meetings with general contractors, construction managers, owners, architects, and other trades as required.
· Manage punch-list completion, warranties, final documentation, and closeout requirements to support timely final payment.
Customer, Field & Team Coordination
· Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned customers and maintain professional, responsive communication throughout the project.
· Build productive relationships with general contractors, owners, designers, vendors, subcontractors, and field personnel.
· Provide field leaders with timely information, updated drawings, scope clarifications, schedules, and cost expectations.
· Resolve project issues proactively and escalate material risks involving scope, schedule, cost, safety, collections, or customer relationships.
· Support estimating, operations, accounting, and leadership with accurate project information and timely follow-through.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
· Promote and support company safety policies, customer/jobsite requirements, and applicable regulations.
· Plan work with attention to access, fall protection, lifts, scaffolding, respiratory protection, hazardous materials, and occupied-space considerations as applicable.
· Ensure specified products, preparation methods, application requirements, and quality standards are communicated and followed.
· Address quality concerns promptly and coordinate corrective work with field supervision and customers.
· Maintain accurate documentation and support compliance with contract, insurance, wage, certified payroll, or other project-specific requirements when applicable.
Financial & Administrative Responsibilities
· Manage project performance against estimated gross profit and approved budget.
· Review cost reports and work-in-progress information for accuracy; update forecasts and projected final costs regularly.
· Provide information needed for monthly billing, schedule-of-values updates, change-order billing, and collections support.
· Review vendor and subcontractor commitments, invoices, and coding for assigned projects as required.
· Protect company interests by maintaining complete records of scope, approvals, changes, delays, impacts, and customer communications.
Qualifications
· 3+ years of experience in commercial construction estimating, project management, painting/coatings, or a closely related trade preferred.
· Working knowledge of commercial painting methods, surface preparation, coatings, production rates, construction sequencing, and jobsite logistics strongly preferred.
· Ability to read and interpret architectural drawings, specifications, finish schedules, addenda, and contract documents.
· Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate estimates, manage multiple projects, prioritize deadlines, and maintain organized documentation.
· Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and customer-service skills.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with estimating, takeoff, project-management, accounting, or construction software is preferred.
· Valid driver license and ability to travel to local or regional jobsites as required.
Core Competencies
· Ownership and accountability for results
· Attention to detail and estimating accuracy
· Planning, organization, and time management
· Financial awareness and cost control
· Clear communication and professional judgment
· Relationship building and customer focus
· Problem solving and timely decision-making
· Collaboration with field and office teams
· Adaptability in a deadline-driven construction environment
Performance Expectations
· Submit accurate, complete, and timely estimates that align with company pricing and risk standards.
· Deliver assigned projects safely, professionally, on schedule, and at or above targeted financial performance.
· Identify and document scope changes promptly and maximize recovery of legitimate change-order revenue.
· Maintain current project forecasts, documentation, customer communication, and internal reporting.
· Support repeat business by providing responsive service, quality execution, and reliable follow-through.
· Contribute to continuous improvement in estimating accuracy, production assumptions, project handoff, and operational processes.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
· Regularly works in an office environment and visits active commercial construction sites.
· Must be able to navigate jobsites, stairs, uneven surfaces, and active work areas while using required personal protective equipment.
· May be exposed to noise, dust, odors, weather conditions, lifts, scaffolding, and other normal construction-site conditions.
· Must be able to attend occasional early-morning, evening, or off-site meetings based on project needs.
Employment Statement
This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may be modified based on business needs. Employment terms should be administered in accordance with applicable company policies and law.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
