General Manager

Wenz; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in Cape Town is seeking an experienced General Manager : Manufacturing to oversee their operations. You will drive efficiencies and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have 7-10 years of experience, including 5 years in leadership roles in FMCG or cosmetics. This role offers the opportunity to build high-performing teams and implement continuous improvement methodologies.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years' experience in manufacturing/production management.
• At least 5 years at leadership level.
• Proven success in managing logistics and scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Lead inbound logistics, material storage, and manufacturing operations.
• Ensure compliance with GMP and safety standards.
• Deliver on production targets and improve quality.

Skills

Leadership experience in FMCG or cosmetics

Driving efficiency and cost reduction

Knowledge of GMP and regulatory standards

Skills in Lean and Six Sigma

Ability to manage large teams

ERP/WMS system proficiency

Advanced analytical capability

Job description

GENERAL MANAGER : MANUFACTURING

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking an experienced General Manager : Manufacturing to lead our end‑to‑end manufacturing operations. This critical role will oversee inbound logistics, material management, storage, and production to ensure safe, efficient, and cost‑effective manufacturing of our product range.

You will drive operational excellence, embed world‑class standards, and inspire a high‑performing team to deliver quality at scale.

Key Responsibility Areas

• Lead inbound logistics, material storage, and manufacturing operations.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, health & safety, and regulatory standards.
• Deliver on production targets through efficiency, quality, and yield improvement.
• Embed Lean and continuous improvement methodologies to reduce waste and cost.
• Build and coach strong teams, fostering accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
• Champion innovation in processes, systems, and technology.

ABOUT YOU

• Proven leadership experience in FMCG and / or cosmetics.
• Strong track record in driving efficiency, cost reduction, and continuous improvement.
• In‑depth knowledge of GMP, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Skilled in Lean, Six Sigma, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Experience managing large teams in complex manufacturing environments.
• ERP / WMS systems proficiency and advanced analytical capability.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to deliver results under pressure.

EXPERIENCE

• 7–10 years' experience in manufacturing / production management, including at least 5 years at leadership level.
• Strong track record of meeting production plans and efficiency targets.
• Proven success in managing inbound logistics, inventory, and production scheduling.
• Familiarity with ISO, GMP, or equivalent standards.

KNOWLEDGE

• Manufacturing operations management, including production planning, scheduling, and process control.
• Knowledge of inbound logistics and raw / packaging material management.
• Quality control systems and continuous improvement methods (Lean, Kaizen).

ISO

• ISO, GMP, or equivalent standards.
• Health & safety standards.

THE HATS YOU MAY WEAR

• Operational Architect : Shape and optimise manufacturing strategies aligned with the companies growth.
• Excellence Enabler : Drive world‑class standards in quality, safety, and production efficiency.
• Efficiency Engineer : Embed Lean / CI practices and cost optimisation initiatives.
• People Builder : Lead, mentor, and coach teams to achieve sustainable high performance.
• Risk Controller : Safeguard compliance, mitigate operational risks, and maintain stock integrity.
• Innovation Driver : Champion process, systems, and technology advancements.
• Change Maker : Embed a culture of adaptability, resilience, and continuous improvement.

WHAT OTHER DETAILS / EXPERIENCE / REQUIREMENTS MAKE OUR EYES LIGHT UP, YOU ASK?

• Track record of transforming manufacturing operations in high‑growth businesses.
• Hands‑on expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and automation.
• Strong commercial acumen balancing efficiency, quality, and cost.
• Ability to lead large‑scale teams while embedding a safety‑first culture.
• Exceptional problem‑solving and systems‑thinking mindset.