Chief Executive Officer

Valkyrie People Consulting; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive company in Gauteng is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to drive growth and innovation. The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience in the automotive sector, capable of developing strategies that align with company goals while managing operations effectively.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in senior leadership roles within the automotive industry.
• At least 5 years as CEO, MD, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing and supply chain.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategies aligned with the company’s mission.
• Oversee operational activities ensuring optimal efficiency and compliance.
• Identify new business opportunities for market expansion.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Acumen

Business Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Risk Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business Administration

MBA or similar postgraduate qualification

Job description

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Industry: Automotive

Location: Gauteng, South Africa

Reports To: Board of Directors

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead a dynamic automotive company based in Gauteng. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence while ensuring strategic alignment with the company’s goals. This role demands a proven leader with deep expertise in the automotive sector, strong business acumen, and the ability to navigate complex market environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and execute long-term strategies aligned with the company’s mission, vision, and growth targets.
• Operational Management:
• Oversee all operational activities, ensuring optimal efficiency, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
• Financial Oversight:
• Drive financial performance through effective budgeting, cost control, and revenue growth initiatives. Report regularly to the Board on financial and operational health.
• Business Development & Expansion:
• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities including market expansion, new product development, and strategic partnerships.
• Team Leadership & Culture:
• Lead a high-performing executive team and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, government bodies, and investors.
• Risk Management:
• Identify potential risks to the business and implement robust mitigation strategies.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience (15+ years) in senior leadership roles within the automotive industry, with at least 5 years as CEO, MD, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing, supply chain, and go-to-market strategies in the South African and/or African context.
• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in business transformation, digital adoption, and operational scaling.
• Strong financial literacy and commercial insight.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field. MBA or similar postgraduate qualification is preferred.

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience in both OEM and Tier 1 automotive environments.
• Familiarity with ESG, sustainability practices, and compliance frameworks.
• Knowledge of South African automotive policy landscape and industry incentives.