General Manager Buildings Materials Factory

The Recruitment Agency South Africa (TRASA); Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a progressive organization in Johannesburg as a General Manager for a leading building materials manufacturing facility. This strategic leadership role involves optimizing operations, driving financial performance, and cultivating a high-performing team to ensure product quality and market growth. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in construction, excellent communication skills, and a passion for operational excellence.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Incentive-based bonuses

Company vehicle allowance

Comprehensive benefits including pension and medical aid

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of management experience in building materials manufacturing.
• At least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Deep understanding of the South African construction industry.

Responsibilities

• Direct and control day-to-day plant operations.
• Lead development and execution of strategic plans.
• Ensure compliance with quality and environmental standards.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Acumen

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

MBA or equivalent

CFA Level 1 certification

Tools

ERP / MRP systems

Power BI

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Location : Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Industry : Construction / Building Materials Manufacturing Employment Type : Full-time Reports To : Managing Director Shareholders Lead with Vision. Drive Operational Excellence. Deliver Results. We are searching for a dynamic, results-oriented General Manager to lead the full operations of a high-performance building materials manufacturing facility based in Johannesburg, Gauteng. This is a strategic leadership role within a progressive organization in thebuilding materials and construction sector, responsible for delivering operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and market growth. As the General Manager, you will take full ownership of the plant’s strategic direction, productivity, and profitability. You will drive innovation and continuous improvement in all facets of the operation—ensuring products meet the highest quality standards while maintaining cost efficiency and exceptional client service. Your ability to lead cross-functional teams, implement best practices, and align operational performance with commercial goals will be critical to success. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership Direct and control all aspects of day-to-day plant operations, ensuring seamless workflow across production, logistics, maintenance, and quality assurance. Maximize productivity through efficient utilization of personnel, equipment, and raw materials. Monitor and optimize production schedules, raw material inventory, and delivery timelines to ensure fulfilment of client requirements. Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies to eliminate waste, streamline processes, and enhance overall plant efficiency. Ensure equipment reliability through effective preventative and predictive maintenance programs. Strategic & Commercial Direction Lead the development and execution of the facility’s strategic plan in alignment with organizational objectives. Analyze market trends and identify new business opportunities that support growth and diversification within the construction and infrastructure sectors. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and drive accountability across all departments to meet production, quality, and financial targets. Financial Stewardship Take ownership of the plant’s financial performance through accurate budgeting, forecasting, and cost management. Review and interpret financial statements, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions to maintain profitability. Champion initiatives that increase revenue, optimize margins, and support sustainable growth. Team Empowerment & Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of department heads, supervisors, and production staff. Cultivate a culture of excellence, ownership, collaboration, and continuous learning throughout the organization. Ensure performance management systems are in place to evaluate talent, identify gaps, and drive professional development. Promote and enforce a strong safety-first culture, ensuring full compliance with OHSA and other workplace safety regulations. Quality, Compliance & Client Engagement Oversee rigorous quality control processes to guarantee products consistently meet client specifications and project standards. Ensure all manufacturing activities comply with environmental laws, industry standards, and ISO certification requirements. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, engineers, and project stakeholders by delivering on commitments, offering technical support, and upholding superior service standards. Requirements & Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a closely related field. An MBA or equivalent post-graduate qualification is a strong advantage. CFA Level 1 certification will be viewed favorably. Experience Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive management experience in building materials manufacturing or a related industrial production environment. At least 3–5 years in a senior leadership role with proven success in managing plant operations, financials, and strategic initiatives. Deep understanding of the South African construction and infrastructure industry. Core Competencies Strategic thinker with proven leadership in driving operational excellence and business growth. Strong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making skills. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. In-depth knowledge of ISO quality systems, health & safety compliance, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Proficiency in ERP / MRP systems, Power BI, and the Microsoft Office Suite. What We Offer A competitive salary commensurate with experience and performance. Incentive-based bonuses aligned with operational and financial KPIs. Company vehicle and cell phone allowance. Comprehensive benefits including pension fund contributions and medical aid. The opportunity to lead a high-impact facility within a growing and respected industry leader. Take the Lead in Shaping the Future of Building Material Manufacturing If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for operational excellence, team leadership, and delivering results in the construction materials space, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Apply now to lead with purpose and build a legacy of success.

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Factory Manager • Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa