General Manager

Edge Executive Search Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company in Johannesburg is seeking a General Manager to oversee the full manufacturing value-chain for hygiene/tissue products. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing with at least 8-10 years in a senior management position. Responsibilities include guiding operational excellence initiatives, developing strategies for cost and quality improvement, and leading a multidisciplinary team. Successful candidates will have a tertiary qualification in relevant fields and a proven track record of operational transformation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8-10 years’ manufacturing plant experience.
• At least 8-10 years in a senior management role in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in FMCG hygiene, tissue or paper-converting manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the full manufacturing value-chain for hygiene/tissue products.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence programmes.
• Establish and monitor key operational metrics.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Leadership skills

Education

BSc, BEng, BTech or equivalent in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Technology, Industrial Engineering

Job description

General Manager – Manufacturing (Hygiene/Tissue Products)

Location: Gauteng – Manufacturing Site
Permanent, Full Time

Role Purpose

Lead and direct the full manufacturing value‑chain for hygiene/tissue products (from pulp/rolls through to finished product conversion and packaging) to deliver on safety, quality, cost, delivery and people targets. Develop a high‑performance culture, drive continuous improvement, and ensure the business meets its strategic and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure safe, compliant operations in line with SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality) standards.
• Lead a multidisciplinary management team (production, engineering, maintenance, quality, logistics, HR) to deliver business plan objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence programmes (lean manufacturing, TPM, OEE improvements, waste/yield optimisation).
• Develop and implement operating strategies to minimise cost, maximise throughput and improve product quality.
• Forecast and plan operational requirements including technology, equipment, manpower, infrastructure.
• Maintain a constructive industrial relations climate; ensure workforce capability development and succession planning.
• Establish and monitor key operational metrics: schedule adherence, OEE, waste, rejects, material usage variance, cost variances.
• Lead capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) planning for the site, ensure execution of projects on time and budget.
• Champion asset management strategy – ensure production & maintenance tasks align with asset care plans.
• Collaborate with supply chain, procurement and commercial teams to align manufacturing capacity with market demand and customer requirements.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification (BSc, BEng, BTech or equivalent) in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Pulp & Paper Technology, Industrial Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 8-10 years’ manufacturing plant experience plus at least 8-10 years in a senior management role in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in FMCG hygiene, tissue or paper‑converting manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of leading operational transformation: OEE improvement, waste reduction, schedule adherence, cost control.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma or similar methodologies.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to build and lead teams, drive culture change and develop talent.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, CAPEX projects, and delivering against key financial and operational targets.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with hands‑on operational DNA.
• Results oriented, resilient under pressure, and comfortable in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Collaborative leader with strong influence across functional teams.
• Passionate about safety, quality, continuous improvement and people development.
• Strong commercial awareness and commitment to deliver operational excellence aligned with business strategy.