General Manager – Construction Materials Testing

SUMMARY:
Our client, a leading provider of construction materials testing and laboratory services, is seeking an experienced General Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership for its Gauteng operation.

POSITION INFO:
General Manager - Construction Materials Testing Area: Johannesburg, Gauteng Salary: R65 000 - R80 000 CTC per month About the Role Our client, a leading provider of construction materials testing and laboratory services, is seeking an experienced General Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership for its Gauteng operation. Reporting to executive management, the successful candidate will assume full responsibility for the site''s profitability, operational performance, quality systems, compliance, customer relationships and people management. This position requires a commercially minded leader with extensive experience managing technical teams within a SANAS-accredited construction materials testing environment. Key Responsibilities Strategic & Business Leadership Provide strategic leadership aligned with company objectives. Develop and implement business plans, operational strategies and growth initiatives. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, profitability and service delivery. Support business development and strengthen the company''s market position. Financial Management Take full responsibility for the site''s Profit & Loss (P&L). Prepare and manage annual operating and capital budgets. Monitor financial performance, control costs and maximise profitability. Deliver accurate financial forecasting and reporting. Operational Management Lead the overall operation of the construction materials testing laboratory and associated site activities. Ensure testing projects are delivered safely, efficiently and within agreed turnaround times. Drive continuous improvement across all operational processes. Ensure effective utilisation of people, equipment and laboratory resources. Quality, Compliance & Technical Governance Maintain compliance with ISO 9001, SANAS accreditation requirements and company quality management systems. Ensure the integrity, accuracy and reliability of all laboratory testing activities. Maintain compliance with relevant legislation, industry standards and internal procedures. Leadership & People Management Lead, mentor and develop multidisciplinary technical and operational teams. Drive employee engagement, performance management and succession planning. Oversee recruitment, onboarding and employee development. Manage labour relations in accordance with company policies and legislation. Client & Stakeholder Management Build and maintain strong relationships with consulting engineers, contractors, government entities and key clients. Ensure exceptional customer service and technical support. Represent the business at client meetings and industry engagements. Support commercial negotiations and contract management activities. SHEQ & Risk Management Ensure full compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and company SHEQ standards. Promote a strong safety culture throughout the operation. Identify, assess and mitigate operational and commercial risks. Reporting & Performance Management Develop and monitor operational KPIs across all departments. Prepare monthly operational and financial reports for executive management. Drive accountability and continuous improvement across the business. Minimum Requirements Degree or Diploma in Business Management, Engineering, Operations Management or a related discipline. 8 to 10 years'' senior management experience within the construction materials testing, engineering or related industry. Demonstrated experience managing a SANAS-accredited laboratory. Proven experience with full Profit & Loss accountability. Strong understanding of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and SANAS accreditation. Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams. Sound commercial, financial and business management skills. Strong contract management and commercial negotiation experience. Knowledge of labour legislation and people management. Experience implementing SHEQ systems within a construction or engineering environment. Excellent client relationship management skills with consulting engineers, contractors and government organisations. Proficient in Microsoft Office. Key Competencies Strategic leadership Commercial and financial acumen Operational excellence Business development Decision making People leadership Communication and stakeholder management Problem solving and analytical thinking Quality and compliance focus Results driven Strong organisational and planning skills