BU Head

Flink Recruitment; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 127,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An automotive industry leader is seeking a Business Unit Head in Pretoria. This role involves driving business growth, ensuring operational excellence, and leading cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in business development and managing client relationships in the automotive or electronics sectors. This permanent position offers a competitive salary and is onsite.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of leadership experience, preferably in automotive or electronics.
• Proven track record in business development and managing client relationships.
• Strong experience in operations and P&L management.

Responsibilities

• Lead business growth strategy and develop new business opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with OEMs and suppliers.
• Ensure operational efficiency and compliance with standards.
• Innovate service delivery and execute projects successfully.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or Operations Management

Master’s degree or MBA

Job description

Our client is looking for a BU Head in the Automotive Industry to join their team in Pretoria.

Roles and Responsibilities

Introduction

Position Description :

Join a global leader in quality services for the automotive and electronics industries. We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Business Unit Head to lead our country operations. This high-impact role is responsible for driving business growth, ensuring operational excellence, and leading cross-functional teams across sales, operations, quality, and client management. If you have a passion for business development and a strong track record in industrial services, we want to hear from you.

Duties & Responsibilities :

• Strategic Business Development & Market Expansion: Take full ownership of the region’s growth strategy. Identify and develop new business opportunities with OEMs, Tier 1 / Tier 2 suppliers, and contract manufacturers. Drive sales pipeline, secure long-term partnerships, and expand service offerings across the automotive and electronics sectors.
• Client Engagement & Satisfaction: Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with OEMs, Tier 1 & Tier 2 suppliers, and key decision-makers. Act as the escalation point for complex client issues and drive continuous improvement in service delivery.
• End-to-End Business Leadership: Lead and manage all functional areas — including Operations, Sales, Finance, HR, Quality, and IT — to ensure efficient day-to-day performance and strategic alignment with the company's global vision.
• Service Innovation & Execution: Oversee planning, implementation, and monitoring of service projects such as Quality Containments, 3PL logistics, Rework campaigns, and Manpower outsourcing. Ensure on-time delivery, profitability, and customer satisfaction throughout the service lifecycle.
• Leadership & Talent Development: Inspire and lead multidisciplinary teams. Attract, develop, and retain top talent while fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, safety, and quality.
• Operational Excellence & Financial Control: Ensure operational efficiency, cost optimization, and compliance with industry standards and local regulations. Maintain full P&L responsibility and drive accurate forecasting, budgeting, and performance tracking.
• Corporate Governance & Integration: Ensure local adherence to company policies, processes, and quality standards. Facilitate regular reporting and transparent communication with headquarters and regional leadership.
• Brand Building & Industry Presence: Represent the company in industry associations, trade shows, and networking events. Build the company's brand presence in South Africa and position it as a trusted, high-quality service partner.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s degree or MBA is a strong advantage).
• Formal training or certification in quality systems (e.g., ISO 9001, IATF 16949) is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 8–10 years of leadership experience, preferably in the automotive, electronics, or manufacturing service industries.
• Proven track record in business development, sales leadership, and managing high-value client relationships.
• Strong experience in operations, service delivery, and P&L management.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams across multi-functional departments (Sales, Quality, HR, Finance, IT).

Industry & Functional Knowledge

• Deep understanding of quality services (sorting, rework, containment, inspection).
• Familiarity with automotive and electronics supply chains, OEM / Tier supplier environments, and customer quality expectations.
• Experience with 3PL logistics, manpower services, or technical staffing is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to build and inspire cross-functional teams.
• Excellent business acumen, strategic thinking, and decision-making ability.
• High-level negotiation and communication skills for engaging with senior clients and internal stakeholders.

Employment Details

• Employment Type : Permanent Employment
• Industry : Automotive
• Work space preference: Onsite
• Ideal work province : Gauteng
• Ideal work city : Pretoria
• Salary bracket : R 0 - 150000
• Drivers License : CODE B (Car)
• Own car needed