Commercial Painting Estimator

Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Position Type: Full-Time
Industry: Commercial Construction | Division 9 | Painting and Coatings

The Opportunity

Solid Rock Recruiting is conducting a confidential search for an experienced Commercial Painting Estimator to join an established contractor serving Alexandria, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and the surrounding market.

This position is ideal for an estimator who understands commercial painting and coatings, can produce accurate and competitive bids, and is comfortable managing multiple opportunities at once. The Estimator will be an important member of the estimating and sales team, responsible for developing detailed estimates, preparing bid deliverables, supporting post-bid customer needs, and coordinating successful project turnover to operations.

The right person will be organized, analytical, responsive, and capable of building strong relationships with general contractors, vendors, subcontractors, and internal project teams.

What You’ll Do

• Review project plans, specifications, addenda, and bid requirements.

• Perform detailed digital takeoffs using PlanSwift.

• Estimate labor, materials, equipment, mobilization, and other project costs.

• Determine appropriate labor production rates for commercial painting scopes.

• Obtain and compare material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing.

• Prepare detailed estimates, scopes of work, exclusions, clarifications, and bid proposals.

• Incorporate direct costs, indirect costs, overhead, and project support costs into estimates.

• Track bid dates, proposal deadlines, and estimating assignments.

• Confirm project requirements and submission deadlines with customers.

• Participate in estimate reviews and present bids to company leadership.

• Follow up with customers to obtain bid results and identify additional opportunities.

• Maintain accurate records of bid volume, wins, losses, and awarded work.

• Review revised drawings and identify scope changes between plan sets.

• Support post-bid scope reviews, negotiations, and customer questions.

• Participate in project turnover meetings with operations and project management.

• Maintain organized electronic files for plans, specifications, proposals, and pricing.

Project Experience

The ideal candidate will have estimating experience involving commercial painting and coatings for projects such as:

• Healthcare facilities

• Schools and universities

• Government buildings

• Office and corporate interiors

• Hospitality projects

• Retail and mixed-use developments

• Multifamily construction

• Industrial and specialty coating projects

What We’re Looking For

• Commercial painting or Division 9 estimating experience.

• Proficiency with PlanSwift estimating and takeoff software.

• Strong knowledge of commercial painting, architectural coatings, and surface preparation.

• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and bid documents.

• Understanding of labor productivity, material coverage rates, and project cost development.

• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple estimates while meeting firm deadlines.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong computer proficiency and experience with Microsoft Office.

• Ability to build productive relationships with customers, vendors, and subcontractors.

• Commercial construction field or project management experience is preferred.

• Degree in construction management, building science, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Who Will Thrive in This Role?

The right candidate will be:

• Organized and process-oriented.

• Accurate and highly attentive to detail.

• Self-motivated and comfortable taking initiative.

• Able to prioritize multiple bids and deadlines.

• Confident communicating with general contractors and vendors.

• Adaptable when drawings, schedules, or bid requirements change.

• Focused on producing profitable, competitive estimates.

• Willing to follow opportunities beyond bid submission and help convert estimates into awarded work.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Established commercial contractor with a strong regional presence.

• Consistent project pipeline throughout Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. market.

• Competitive compensation based on experience.

• Opportunity to play an important role in both estimating and business development.

• Experienced leadership and operations support.

• Long-term professional growth and advancement potential.

• Confidential recruiting process.

Interested in Learning More?

Contact John Chisham for a confidential conversation.

Phone: 605.502.1385
Email: john@solidrockrecruiting.com

Company information will be shared with qualified candidates during the recruiting process.