Region Head - Southern Africa

Mindcor-InterSearch; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm is seeking a Regional Head for Southern Africa to drive operations within the manufacturing sector. This role requires strategic leadership and extensive experience (20+ years) in operations, particularly in sectors like Steel and Automotive. The successful candidate will oversee multi-location operations, ensuring growth and efficiency while fostering collaboration across various business units. Regular travel is expected within the region, and a bachelor's degree in business or engineering is required; an MBA is advantageous.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of professional experience in operations and manufacturing.
• Proven success in leading multi-market operations at a senior level.
• International leadership experience and diversity adaptability.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction across the Southern Africa region.
• Oversee business units and promote collaboration among directors.
• Drive operational performance and efficiency improvements.
• Promote business growth through strategic sourcing.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational excellence

Cost optimisation

People management

Financial planning

Cultural adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or engineering

MBA or equivalent (advantageous)

Job description

Overview

Regional Head - Southern Africa - Manufacturing Sector

Our client, a prominent organisation in the Manufacturing sector, is seeking an accomplished Regional Head to lead operations in Southern Africa. This executive role will be based in Durban and will oversee business units across South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, and Namibia. Reporting directly to the Group Chief Executive Officer, the Regional Head will provide strategic and operational leadership to drive growth, profitability, and sustainable market leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership across the Southern Africa region, ensuring alignment with the Group’s long-term goals.
• Oversee multiple business units, fostering collaboration with functional directors in operations, sales, HR, finance, and supply chain.
• Drive operational excellence, cost optimisation, and efficiency improvements to achieve business performance objectives.
• Lead people management initiatives, cultivating a culture of integrity, accountability, and high performance.
• Ensure compliance with governance, regulatory, and safety requirements across all regional operations.
• Represent the region at Group level, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Promote business growth and market competitiveness through strategic sourcing, commercial acumen, and customer-centric approaches.

Experience

• At least 20 years’ professional experience, with deep exposure to operations and manufacturing, in the Steel, Heavy Industrial, Automotive or white goods sectors.
• Proven success in leading multi-market and multi-location operations at a senior executive level.
• Strong background in operational turnarounds, cost optimisation, and strategic business growth.
• Demonstrated ability to lead all aspects of business management, including financial planning, people management, and technology deployment in large-scale organisations.
• International leadership experience, with an ability to adapt to diverse cultural and business environments.

Educational Requirements

• A relevant bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field.
• A master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) will be considered advantageous.

This position requires regular travel across the Southern Africa region and offers the opportunity to lead a significant business portfolio with a direct impact on organisational growth and long-term success.

If you are a strategic leader with proven expertise in managing complex regional operations, we invite you to apply. Join a dynamic and growing organisation where your leadership will shape the future of Manufacturing in Southern Africa.

Mindcor will respond to shortlisted candidates only. If you do not hear back within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. Your profile will, however, be retained for future opportunities.

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