Group Chief Operating Officer - COO

Square 1 Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary COO to lead a high-growth manufacturing group. This role is pivotal in driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and market expansion across multiple independently operating subsidiaries. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in the metalworking industry, coupled with strong financial and commercial acumen. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing while ensuring long-term profitability and sustainability. If you're ready to take on a transformative leadership role with national and international impact, this is the opportunity for you!

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

Business-related travel expenses covered

Qualifications

• 15+ years in senior leadership roles in manufacturing.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with large budgets.

Responsibilities

• Drive long-term growth strategy across subsidiaries.
• Oversee operational efficiency and market expansion.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Operational Excellence

Market Expansion

Financial Oversight

Change Management

Leadership Development

Education

BSc / BEng in Engineering

MBA or Master's in Engineering

Job description

Shape the Future of Manufacturing: Lead, Innovate, and Drive Strategic Growth!

Are you an experienced operational leader with a proven track record in large-scale manufacturing? Do you have the strategic vision to transform a group of dynamic, independently operating businesses?

This career-defining opportunity calls for a visionary COO to map and direct the strategic course of a high-growth, multi-subsidiary manufacturing group. You will drive efficiency, innovation, and expansion across multiple operations, ensuring long-term success in an evolving global market.

About the Group

This diversified manufacturing group operates across multiple key sectors with a strong focus on engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain excellence. With well-established businesses, strong market positioning, and ambitious growth strategies, the group is set for national and international expansion.

Each subsidiary operates independently, bringing specialized technical capabilities and market expertise. Your role as COO will be critical in ensuring synergy, efficiency, and long-term profitability across the group.

Your Role

Reporting to the CEO and collaborating closely with the Board of Directors, Subsidiary CEOs, Group CFO, Group HR, and other key stakeholders, your core responsibilities will include:

1. Strategic Leadership: Map and direct the long-term growth strategy, ensuring alignment across all subsidiaries.
2. Operational Excellence: Oversee manufacturing efficiency, supply chain management, and best practice standardization.
3. Market Expansion & Innovation: Drive high-impact initiatives including global market expansion, alternative energy solutions, and procurement optimization.
4. Financial & Risk Oversight: Ensure profitability, cost efficiency, and risk mitigation, safeguarding the group's long-term sustainability.
5. Transformation & Change Management: Implement best-in-class industrial standards (ISO, IATF 16949) and lead digital transformation in manufacturing.
6. Leadership & Succession Planning: Build and mentor a world-class executive team with a structured pathway for potential CEO transition.

Requirements

Qualifications

We are seeking a combination of technical and commercial qualifications, ideally:

• BSc / BEng in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical, or Metallurgical Engineering.
• MBA, Master's in Engineering, BCom (Finance / Accounting), or Postgraduate Leadership Qualification.

Industry Experience

• Minimum 15 years of experience in a senior leadership role within the metalworking industry, specifically: Foundry, Machining, Fabrication, or Heavy Engineering.
• A proven track record in leading large-scale, complex manufacturing operations.

Leadership & Group-Level Strategy

• Proven experience overseeing multiple manufacturing subsidiaries within a group structure (with at least 500 employees across multiple locations).
• Strong ability to drive corporate-level strategy and cross-business unit collaboration.

Financial & Commercial Acumen

• Demonstrated success in managing large budgets at the group level (not just site-based budgets).
• Expertise in financial forecasting, risk management, and cost efficiency strategies.
• Experience in international market expansion and global supply chain strategies.

Strategic & Operational Expertise

• Strong background in capital-intensive, heavy industrial operations.
• Experience leading major investment projects, expansions, or technology-driven transformations.
• Track record of driving sustainable revenue growth, not just cost-cutting initiatives.

Benefits

Total Cost to Company: R2 Million (Negotiable). Performance-based bonus. Business-related travel expenses covered. Johannesburg-based role with national and international impact.

This search is managed by:

Hillary Myburgh, Managing Consultant (Square 1 Recruitment)

LinkedIn: Hillary Myburgh

Feel free to reach out for a confidential discussion before submitting your CV.