Eastern Cape: General Manager posted by Staff Solutions

Key Responsibilities

Financial & Commercial Management

• Oversee all financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, sales forecasting, expense control, debtor management, and project/SLA profitability.
• Prepare and present management reports to support informed strategic decision-making.
• Develop, review, and manage SLA agreements and project costings to ensure profitability, investigate variances, and implement corrective actions.

Operations, Technical & Service Delivery

• Ensure operational efficiency and the delivery of technical services in line with client expectations.
• Resolve escalated technical issues and support the enhancement of service offerings and product development, including chemical formulation.
• Maintain and enforce Health & Safety compliance across business operations and client sites.

Client & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring SLA compliance, customer satisfaction, and long-term retention.
• Lead the preparation of technical proposals, tenders, and pricing, while actively identifying and developing new business opportunities.

Process, Systems & Risk Management

• Optimise internal systems and processes to improve service delivery and overall business efficiency.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives across reporting, client service, and operational workflows.
• Manage risk by ensuring the feasibility of small- to medium-sized projects through clearly defined scopes and effective SLA implementation.
• Review and approve contracts, project scopes, and costings, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and profitability objectives.

People & Culture Leadership

• Lead and support all people management functions, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, succession planning, and employee relations.
• Promote company culture and values while ensuring compliance with disciplinary procedures and labour regulations.
• Monitor staff attendance and proactively address absenteeism and leave abuse.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant technical qualification (preferably Mechanical or Chemical Engineering).
• Management and/or Business Management qualification (advantageous).
• 7–10 years’ experience in a similar role, with a minimum of 5 years in a management position (essential).
• Proven experience in the utilities water treatment industry and water usage optimisation programmes (preferred).
• Strong leadership capability, client relationship management skills, and commercial acumen.
• Excellent problem-solving, organisational, and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with clients and internal teams.
• Proven ability to review reports, analyse operational data, and implement continuous improvements.

Competencies & Skills

• Technical expertise in mechanical water treatment systems.
• Strong leadership and people management capability.
• Client relationship development and retention.
• Budgeting, operational planning, and project costing.
• Results-driven with a high level of attention to detail and compliance.