Painting Estimator and Project Manager

Keller Executive Search International; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Keller Executive Search partners with a leading painting and coatings contractor to hire an experienced Painting Estimator and Project Manager. The role blends precise cost estimating with hands-on project delivery, from bid through final walkthrough.

You will prepare interior and exterior estimates, manage crews, schedules, and budgets, and collaborate with clients, subcontractors, and field teams to ensure on-time, on-budget work that meets quality standards.

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented with strong estimating and project management skills.
• Experience in interior and exterior painting and coatings estimating.
• Proven ability to manage crews, schedules, and budgets on live projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed, accurate cost estimates, takeoffs, proposals and change orders for painting and coatings projects.
• Review plans, specs, blueprints, and site conditions to determine material and labor needs.
• Perform on-site takeoffs, pre-bid walkthroughs, and scope assessments.
• Develop competitive bids and proposals and present them to clients.
• Manage projects from award through closeout, including scheduling and budgeting.
• Coordinate and supervise field crews, subcontractors, materials, and jobsite logistics.
• Serve as primary contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Track project costs, production rates, change orders, and margins.
• Ensure safety standards and quality control on all sites.

Skills

Painting estimating

Project management

Client coordination

Job description

Keller Executive Search is partnering with a leading painting and commercial coatings contractor to hire an experienced Painting Estimator and Project Manager. This is a dual role that combines detailed cost estimating with hands-on project delivery, ideal for a professional who enjoys owning a job from bid through final walkthrough.

In this position you will prepare accurate estimates for interior and exterior painting and coatings projects, then manage the crews, schedules, and budgets that bring those bids to life. You will work closely with clients, subcontractors, and field teams to ensure work is delivered on time, on budget, and to a high-quality standard.

This is an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced construction environment and wants a stable, well-compensated role with a respected contractor. If you have a strong track record in painting estimating and project management, we would like to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed, accurate cost estimates, takeoffs, proposals, and change orders for interior and exterior painting and coatings projects
• Review plans, specifications, blueprints, and site conditions to determine materials, labor, and equipment needs
• Perform on-site takeoffs, pre-bid walkthroughs, and scope assessments
• Develop competitive bids and proposals, and present them to prospective clients
• Manage projects from award through closeout, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation
• Coordinate and supervise field crews, subcontractors, materials, and jobsite logistics to meet quality and timeline targets
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the project lifecycle
• Track project costs, production rates, change orders, and margin performance
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and quality control procedures on all job sites
• Maintain accurate project documentation, estimate files, and closeout records

Additional Information

On-site role with job-site presence and travel required as part of the position