General Manager - Manufacturing

General Manager
Lead South Africa's market leader in mobile ablution manufacturing.
Manufacturing and operations leadership | South Africa

About Our Client
Absolute Ablutions is South Africa's leading manufacturer of mobile ablution facilities, showers, kitchens, and custom-designed mobile solutions, serving clients locally and in over 26 countries. Founded in 1999, the company is known for innovation, quality craftsmanship, and customer-focused design.

The Role: General Manager
You will lead a 45-person, multi-disciplinary team and oversee end-to-end operations to deliver on the company mission. The role spans strategy, production, sales and service, supply chain, and governance, driving growth across domestic and export markets while upholding Absolute Ablutions values and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plans to maintain market leadership and expand into exports, mining, military, civil infrastructure, and events.

• Oversee manufacturing operations to improve efficiency, reduce lead times, and drive innovation across batch and custom builds.

• Champion continual technological advancement and R&D investment to enhance product quality and throughput.

• Grow domestic and international client bases; collaborate with sales/marketing to position the brand, manage leads, and ensure competitive pricing and loyalty.

• Uphold a customer-first approach with tailored design solutions, technical guidance, and robust after-sales support.

• Build and manage a reliable supplier network; optimize procurement, inventory, and logistics across manufacturing and service functions.

• Lead post-sale services including repairs, maintenance, spares, warranties, client training, and service delivery standards.

• Mentor and develop teams across design, production, service, and administration; nurture a culture of trust, transparency, and well-being.

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

About You

• 7 - 10+ years in a senior operational leadership role, ideally within manufacturing or custom fabrication.

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

• Strong command of manufacturing processes, custom design workflows, and integrating R&D into production.

• Proven supplier negotiation and supply chain management capability; data-driven with solid financial acumen.

• Strategic, growth-minded leader who is hands-on, customer-centric, and execution focused.

• Excellent people leadership: builds high-trust teams, coaches for performance, and drives cross-functional alignment.

• Advantageous knowledge: NRCS standards; trailer manufacturing; welding, plumbing, electrical and trailer assembly; AutoCAD (3D).

• Organized, resilient, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving, quality-driven environment.