Managing Director

Lead a Growing South African Manufacturing and Distribution Business as Managing Director

Our client, a leading South African manufacturer and distributor of DIY products, is seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Managing Director to lead the business into its next phase of growth. This is a hands-on, strategic role requiring strong leadership, operational oversight, customer-centricity, and innovation to scale the business across national and international markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a robust growth strategy aligned with group objectives.
• Drive revenue growth by deepening existing customer relationships and expanding into new B2B and B2C segments.
• Oversee the full P&L, ensuring operational efficiency and risk mitigation across the business.
• Spearhead marketing and packaging innovation to drive sales.
• Lead the national distribution network including own-fleet logistics.
• Manage global supplier relationships and optimise import/export strategies.
• Oversee national manufacturing operations and the full supply chain, ensuring consistent product quality and delivery.
• Build and maintain a high-performance culture through effective leadership, coaching, and mentorship.
• Foster collaborative, productive labour relations within a unionised environment.
• Represent the company at industry trade shows both locally and abroad.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with all governance, legal, and regulatory frameworks.
• Continuously enable and drive a high-performance culture through leadership, coaching and mentorship.

Experience and Educational Requirements:

• Deep understanding and experience of the DIY sector; must have led manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated track record in growing and scaling businesses, ideally having doubled revenue or market share.
• Hands-on operational acumen. Comfortable being close to the detail. Factory-floor presence.
• Strategic thinker with a commercial mindset and the ability to drive performance through data and analytics.
• Exceptional customer relationship management skills, with a strong focus on service excellence and value creation.
• Solid experience in leading distributed, multidisciplinary teams across geographies.
• Comfortable navigating unionised work environments and fostering positive labour relations.
• Strong expertise in supply chain management and international sourcing.
• High emotional intelligence, resilience, and executive presence.
• Innovative mindset with a forward-looking approach to product development and branding.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received a response within two weeks of applying, kindly consider your application unsuccessful. However, your CV will be retained for future opportunities.