General Manager

Manpower Group SA (Pty) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 750,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Cape Town is seeking a General Manager to lead across all functions. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational management, ensuring excellence in production, compliance, and team performance. Candidates should possess strong manufacturing experience and relevant qualifications.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a General Manager or in a similar senior leadership role.
• Strong background in manufacturing operations, budgeting, and process improvement.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 50+ employees across various departments.
• Oversee daily manufacturing operations and monitor production KPIs.
• Maintain quality control systems and ensure compliance with food safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Problem Solving

Education

BSc / BCom in Operations, Business Management

Tools

ERP software

Project management software

Job description

Are you a strategic, operations-driven leader with a passion for people, process, and performance?If you're excited by the idea of overseeing a full-scale manufacturing operation, leading cross-functional teams, and aligning daily execution with long-term strategy, this opportunity is for you!A well-established and fast-paced food manufacturing company based in Cape Town is seeking a General Manager to lead the business across all functions — including operations, finance, quality, compliance, and people.

This is a leadership role that requires both a high-level strategic mindset and a hands-on approach to drive operational excellence and team performance.Key Responsibilities :

Leadership & Team Management

Lead and inspire a team of 50– employees across various departments

Set performance expectations, manage team development, and cultivate a collaborative workplace

Oversee recruitment, hiring, and onboarding processes

Operational Management

Oversee daily manufacturing operations to ensure smooth, efficient, and timely production

Monitor production KPIs and cost controls; implement strategies for continuous improvement

Ensure adherence to production schedules, safety, and quality standards

Strategic Planning & Execution

Translate strategic goals into actionable plans and business processes

Drive productivity, innovation, and alignment across departments

Set company-wide policies and ensure compliance with industry standards

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Maintain and enforce quality control systems

Ensure compliance with all food safety and regulatory requirements

Manage budgets, analyse financial reports, and identify cost-saving opportunities

Track financial performance and ensure profitability targets are met

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with QA, maintenance, logistics, procurement, and sales to align priorities

Communicate regularly with senior leadership and key stakeholders

Minimum Requirements :

Proven experience as a General Manager or in a similar senior leadership role

BSc / BCom in Operations, Business Management, or a related field

Strong background in manufacturing operations, budgeting, and process improvement

Sound knowledge of key business functions including finance, HR, and procurement

Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills

Strong analytical thinking and a problem-solving mindset

Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement tools

Experience using ERP, database, or project management software

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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