General Manager - Commercial

Elchemie; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in facilities services is seeking a General Manager - Commercial in Johannesburg to oversee multiple business units. The ideal candidate will have extensive operational and commercial management experience, ensuring service excellence and profitability while leading high-performing teams. This senior role offers a competitive salary package of R55,000 – R65,000 CTC, dependent on experience. Travel is required for this position.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Career development opportunities

Direct influence on growth and performance

Qualifications

• 5–10 years’ experience in a senior operational role within the cleaning, facilitation, or facilities industry.
• Proven commercial management experience – including budgeting, P&L, contract negotiation, and cost control.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple business units and drive operational excellence.
• Build and maintain client and supplier relationships.
• Take full responsibility for P&L performance and budget control.
• Provide leadership to Operations Managers and Site Managers.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and Health & Safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial management

Client relationship management

Operational management

Budgeting and cost control

Safety compliance

Education

Degree qualification (Operations, Commerce, or related field)

Matric certificate

Job description

SUMMARY

Job Title: General Manager - Commercial

Location: Gauteng Honeydew / Centurion

Industry: Facilities, Cleaning & Facilitation Services

Type: Permanent / Environment: High-performance, people-centric, client-driven

About the Role

Our client, a national leader in Facilities, Cleaning and Facilitation Services, is seeking an experienced and commercially minded General Manager to oversee multiple business units and drive operational, financial, and client service excellence across the portfolio. This senior leadership role requires a well‑spoken, confident individual with strong commercial and operational experience. The ideal candidate will balance business growth with service quality, ensuring profitable, compliant, and sustainable operations while leading and developing high‑performing teams.

What you’ll be doing

Client & Supplier Management

• Build and maintain professional client and supplier relationships to ensure service excellence and long‑term partnerships.
• Oversee contract openings, transitions and conversions; ensure teams understand and deliver on responsibilities.
• Monitor service levels and SLA performance; ensure prompt resolution of issues and proactive client engagement.
• Participate in contract and SLA negotiations, ensuring cost‑effective service delivery and compliance.
• Review client feedback and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Commercial & Profitability Management

• Take full responsibility for P&L performance and budget control within your portfolio.
• Develop and implement strategies to meet revenue, cost, and profitability targets.
• Manage wage costs, overtime, and resource planning to align with revenue and budget goals.
• Maintain contract retention and identify new business or cross‑selling opportunities.
• Ensure financial reporting accuracy and alignment with the company’s business plan.

Leadership & Operational Management

• Provide leadership and direction to Operations Managers and Site Managers.
• Conduct performance reviews and develop succession and training plans for key staff.
• Ensure operational teams are aligned to business objectives and deliverables.
• Compile and submit consolidated operational, financial, and compliance reports to Top Management.
• Foster accountability, teamwork, and consistent feedback across all operational levels.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with company policies, Health & Safety regulations, and legislative requirements.
• Conduct and review OHS audits and incident investigations.
• Identify risks and ensure mitigation strategies are implemented.
• Maintain confidentiality and act in accordance with company ethics and professional standards.

What you’ll need

• Degree qualification (Operations, Commerce, or related field) and Matric certificate.
• 5–10 years’ experience in a senior operational role within the cleaning, facilitation, or facilities industry.
• Proven commercial management experience — including budgeting, P&L, contract negotiation and cost control.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage diverse teams and clients.
• Excellent understanding of SLA management, operational reporting, and business profitability.
• Solid knowledge of South African H&S and labour legislation.
• Essential: Valid driver’s license and own vehicle (position requires travel).
• Essential: Clear criminal record.

What is in it for you?

• Opportunity to lead operations for a respected national organization in the cleaning and facilities industry.
• Competitive package: R55 000 – R65 000 CTC, dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Strategic role with direct influence on growth, client retention, and operational performance.
• Exposure to a performance‑focused, supportive environment offering long‑term career development.

A Few Things to Know

• This position reports directly to the Chief Operations Officer.
• The role involves regular travel between sites and operational regions.
• Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and own vehicle.
• The ideal candidate will have proven commercial and operational experience within the facilities or cleaning sector.
• Successful appointments are subject to verification of qualifications, references, and a clear criminal record.

Ready to Apply?

Click Apply and please complete your application in full.

If you don’t hear from us within 3 months, your application was not successful. However, we may contact you for other roles in the future (with your permission).

Data Privacy Notice

By applying, you consent to Elchemie processing your personal data for the purpose of job matching. Your data will be securely stored and shared only with trusted service providers and clients.