Port Elizabeth: General Manager (Water Treatment Division) posted by Headhunters

About the Role

Our client, a market leader in their field, is seeking a technically proficient and commercially driven General Manager to lead our Water Treatment Division. The successful candidate will manage key customer relationships, drive new business development, and lead a small and diverse team to deliver technical and commercial solutions to clients across multiple industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial aspects of the division including budgeting, forecasting, expense control, debtor management, and profitability of projects and SLAs.
• Prepare and present management reports to support strategic decision-making.
• Develop, review, and manage SLA agreements and project costings, investigate variances, and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure operational efficiency and delivery of technical services aligned with client expectations.
• Resolve escalated technical issues and contribute to service and product development initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety standards across operations and client sites.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships to ensure customer satisfaction and long-term retention.
• Lead preparation of technical proposals, tenders, and pricing, while driving new business opportunities.
• Optimise internal systems and processes to enhance service delivery and business efficiency.
• Drive digital transformation across reporting, client service, and operational workflows.
• Manage project and SLA risk through clearly defined scopes and feasibility assessments.
• Review and approve contracts, scopes, and costings to ensure profitability.
• Lead people management activities including recruitment, training, performance management, and employee relations.
• Promote company culture, values, and compliance with labour legislation.
• Monitor attendance and manage absenteeism in line with company policies.

Requirements

• Relevant Technical Qualification (preferably Mechanical or Chemical Engineering).
• Management and/or Business Management qualification will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in a similar role, with at least 5 years in a management position (essential).
• Proven experience in the utilities water treatment industry, including water usage optimisation programmes (preferred).
• Strong leadership, people management, and commercial acumen.
• Excellent problem-solving, organisational, and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to review management reports, analyse operational data, and implement improvements.
• Results-driven with a high level of attention to detail and compliance.

Qualifications

• Relevant Technical Qualification (preferably Mechanical or Chemical Engineering).
• Management and/or Business Management qualification will be an added advantage.