Manufacturing jobs in South Africa

Industrial Manufacturing | International Leadership Opportunity

Location: Middle East (primary base in Jeddah region)

Relocation: Executive relocation support available

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

We are seeking a Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy, governance, and performance management for a large-scale industrial manufacturing group operating across multiple production sites. This role is open to internationally experienced finance leaders with strong backgrounds in manufacturing, listed‑company standards, and complex industrial environments. Candidates from Europe, South Africa, and other developed industrial markets are encouraged to apply. Relocation support is available. The CFO will act as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board, driving financial discipline, transparency, and long‑term value creation across the organization.

• Financial Strategy & Executive Leadership
  • Develop and execute the company's financial strategy to support growth, profitability, and sustainability
  • Lead long‑term financial planning, scenario modelling, and capital allocation decisions
  • Provide strategic insights and recommendations to the CEO, Board, and executive leadership team
  • Drive financial transformation initiatives, including systems, policies, internal controls, and reporting frameworks
• Financial Reporting, Controls & Compliance
  • Oversee accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in accordance with IFRS
  • Strengthen internal controls across procurement, inventory, manufacturing, logistics, sales, and cash management
  • Ensure compliance with governance, disclosure, and regulatory standards
  • Lead engagement with external auditors, advisors, and regulatory bodies
• Manufacturing & Operational Finance (Cable / Electrical Products)
  • Lead industrial costing and margin analysis across complex manufacturing operations
  • Oversee raw‑material cost visibility (copper, aluminium, polymers, steel, and consumables)
  • Monitor production KPIs including efficiency, yield, scrap, variances, and working capital
  • Partner with operations and commercial teams on pricing, product mix, profitability, and CAPEX decisions
• Treasury, Liquidity & Capital Structure
  • Manage liquidity planning, cash‑flow forecasting, and banking relationships
  • Oversee treasury activities including trade finance, hedging, and foreign‑exchange exposureOptimize capital structure to support growth and capital‑investment programs
  • Provide financial oversight on major supplier and long‑term commercial contracts
• Risk Management & Governance
  • Embed enterprise‑wide risk management covering financial, operational, and market risks
  • Strengthen internal audit readiness and remediation processes
  • Enhance governance frameworks, delegation of authority, and financial policies
• Finance Systems & Digital Transformation
  • Lead implementation and optimization of ERP, EPM, and finance systems
  • Ensure integration between finance, manufacturing, and operational data platforms
  • Drive automation, analytics, and management dashboards
  • Safeguard financial data integrity and compliance with data‑protection regulations
• Leadership & Talent Development
  • Lead and develop high‑performing finance teams across FP&A, accounting, treasury, and costing
  • Build a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement
  • Develop succession plans and strengthen finance capability across the organization

• Experience & Background
  • 15+ years of senior finance experience, including executive leadership roles
  • Strong background in industrial manufacturing (cables, electrical products, metals, or similar sectors preferred)
  • Experience operating within listed‑company standards or highly governed environments
  • Deep understanding of IFRS, industrial costing, treasury, and risk management
  • Proven ability to engage effectively with Boards, banks, auditors, and senior stakeholders
• International Experience
  • Experience working in European, South African, or other internationally governed environments is highly valued
  • Comfortable operating in multicultural and cross‑border settings
• Education & Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related discipline
  • Professional certification required (CPA, ACCA, CA(SA), CMA, or CFA)
  • MBA or postgraduate qualification preferred

Executive leadership role with Board‑level influence

Exposure to large‑scale, technically complex manufacturing operations

Opportunity to shape financial governance and operational performance

Competitive executive compensation and full international relocation support

Long‑term leadership role in a stable, growth‑oriented industrial organization

Office and manufacturing environments with regular engagement at plant level

High‑impact role with senior leadership visibility

Travel across regional and international operations