General Manager

SUMMARY:
General Manager (Manufacturing) – Cape Town
Manufacturing | Full-time | On-site
 
Our client is an established manufacturing and distribution business supplying a wide range of products to major South African retailers. Operating within a complex, multi-stage production environment, the business requires strong executive-level leadership to drive operational performance, commercial outcomes, and long-term scalability.
 
They are seeking a hands-on General Manager to take full responsibility for the factory, overseeing operations, people, performance, and profitability. This role is suited to a senior leader who can bring structure, drive efficiency, and operate at both a strategic and operational level.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities Take full accountability for factory operations, performance, and output Translate demand into structured production plans and ensure consistent execution Manage production flow, batch control, and WIP across departments Drive throughput, reduce bottlenecks, and improve operational efficiency Sit on EXCO and contribute to strategic business decisions Engage directly with customers regarding manufacturing contracts and delivery expectations Oversee costing, BOMs, and product pricing Set and manage production targets, monitoring team performance against KPIs Implement KPI structures for supervisors and production teams Lead and manage all factory staff, including wage reviews and increases Develop and manage sales budgets and capital expenditure planning Deliver monthly reporting to Head Office with direct reporting to the CEO Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve productivity, and optimise headcount Implement Lean principles and build a high-performance culture Ensure full compliance with Health & Safety regulations and standards Oversee equipment reliability and maintenance planning Requirements Relevant degree (essential) Proven experience in a senior manufacturing leadership or General Management role Strong background in multi-stage manufacturing (fabrication, processing, finishing environments) Demonstrated experience managing full factory operations, including commercial and financial aspects Strong understanding of costing, BOMs, and pricing within a manufacturing environment Experience operating at EXCO or senior leadership level Proven ability to drive operational improvements and reduce inefficiencies Strong leadership capability with experience managing large teams Hands-on, structured, and highly process-driven approach Send your CV to Persona Staff (PTY) Ltd is POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013) compliant.