Cape Town: General Manager – Manufacturing (Western Cape) posted by O’Brien Recruitment

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for innovation, manufacturing excellence, and building high-performing teams? This is a rare opportunity to step into a General Manager role where you will drive growth, strategy, and operational excellence across a dynamic and specialized manufacturing environment.

About the Role

As General Manager, you will lead a team of 45+ employees, taking full responsibility for strategy, operations, sales growth, customer experience, and people development. This role requires a commercially minded leader with strong technical knowledge, a hands-on approach, and the ability to inspire a culture of innovation, quality, and customer focus.

Please forward your CV to *****@*****.co.za

Preferred Knowledge (Advantageous)

• NRCS standards

• Trailer manufacturing

• Welding, plumbing, electrical, and trailer assembly

• AutoCAD 3D

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and execute strategic plans aligned to the companys mission and growth goals.

• Identify and capitalise on new market opportunities across exports, mining, military, civil infrastructure, and events.

2. Operations & Production Management

• Oversee all manufacturing processes, ensuring efficiency in both batch and custom production.

• Drive continuous improvement in production methods and invest in innovation and R&D.

3. Sales, Business Development & Customer Satisfaction

• Expand both domestic and international client base.

• Build and nurture key client relationships (mining, military, event organisers, and export partners).

• Champion a customer-oriented approach, delivering custom solutions, technical support, and after-sales service.

• Collaborate with sales and marketing to position the brand, manage leads, and ensure competitive pricing.

4. Supply Chain & Vendor Management

• Build and manage a reliable supplier network to ensure on-time, cost-effective sourcing.

• Optimise procurement, inventory, and logistics across all divisions.

5. Service, Maintenance & Training

• Oversee post-sales services, including repairs, maintenance, spare parts supply, and technical training.

• Ensure service delivery standards and warranty processes are upheld.

6. People & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team across design, production, service, and administration.

• Build a culture of trust, transparency, and employee well-being.

7. Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with all manufacturing standards (e.g. MIB registration) and legal requirements.

• Uphold strong corporate governance practices.

Candidate Requirements

• Bachelors Degree (or higher) in Engineering, Business Management, Manufacturing, or related field.

• 710 years experience in a senior operational leadership role, preferably in manufacturing or custom fabrication.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.

• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, custom design workflows, and R&D.

• Strong supplier negotiation and supply chain management skills.

• Business-minded leader with proven financial and operational oversight experience.