General Manager (GM)

Key Recruitment Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established manufacturing company is seeking a General Manager to lead operations and sales. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in management, operational excellence, and commercial growth. This role offers an attractive package with performance incentives to reward achievements.

Qualifications

• 8+ years’ experience in general management or senior leadership roles.
• Proven experience in operational and sales oversight.
• Strong financial acumen and strategic execution.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and align production with sales.
• Lead change and continuous improvement across departments.
• Ensure compliance with legal and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial Acumen

Communication

Negotiation

Team Leadership

Education

Tertiary degree in Engineering or Commerce

Additional leadership or business qualifications

Job description

Well-established manufacturing company seeks a General Manager (GM) to assume full accountability for the overall management and performance of the business, including both sales and operations. This role is suited to a high-energy leader with integrity, sound judgement, and proven experience in driving operational excellence and commercial growth. Based in the Southern Suburbs.

For the position you would be required to have:

• A tertiary degree in Engineering, Commerce, or a related discipline is essential.
• Additional leadership or business qualifications advantageous.
• 8+ years’ experience in general management or senior leadership roles, ideally in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience balancing operational and sales oversight in a mid-sized business.
• Demonstrated success in team leadership, business growth, and strategic execution.
• Values-based leadership with a hands-on, solutions-driven approach.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to motivate and unify cross-functional teams toward common goals.

Responsibilities would include:

• Strategic & Operational Leadership
• Translate strategic direction into actionable business plans with clear targets.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment between production, supply chain, and sales.
• Lead change and continuous improvement across all departments.
• Direct the sales strategy and customer engagement plans.
• Maintain key client relationships and lead efforts to secure new business.
• Monitor pricing, product positioning, and market competitiveness.
• Production & Quality Management
• Ensure production efficiency, quality standards, and on-time delivery.
• Champion lean manufacturing principles and invest in relevant technologies and processes.
• Manage the business to agreed budgets and financial KPIs.
• Prepare monthly performance reports and annual strategic reviews for the Board.
• Monitor profitability, cash flow, and cost control across departments.
• People & Culture
• Build a positive, high-performance culture rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
• Develop leadership talent, succession plans, and internal capabilities.
• Oversee HR compliance, performance management, and staff wellbeing.
• Compliance, Safety & Risk
• Ensure legal, regulatory, and health & safety compliance.
• Mitigate operational and reputational risk through strong governance and control mechanisms.

Our client is looking for an energetic and well-organised GM to take their business to the next level and will negotiate an attractive package with performance incentives to reward achievement milestones

Please apply online or contact Jan van Dyk on 021 – 531 2015 for more information