General Manager - Operations - Manufacturing

Company Overview:

Our client, a leading multi-industry group, is searching for an exceptional General Manager to drive operational excellence and sustainable growth. This role is perfect for a visionary leader skilled in navigating complex manufacturing environments, overseeing high-impact projects, and inspiring teams to achieve ambitious goals.

Location: Central Africa

Key Responsibilities:

- Strategic Leadership & Vision: Formulate and execute comprehensive business strategies that elevate operational performance, ensure market competitiveness, and drive long-term value creation across the group's manufacturing units.

- Operational Management: Ensure seamless day-to-day operations across facilities, prioritizing productivity, quality control, regulatory compliance, and employee safety. Establish clear metrics and targets to assess and enhance operational outcomes.

- Greenfield Project Management: Lead the full lifecycle of greenfield projects, from site selection and infrastructure planning to operational ramp-up, delivering projects on schedule and within budget while optimizing resource allocation.

- Industry-Specific Process Innovation: Introduce cutting-edge practices and industry-specific improvements within bakery, construction, chemical, food processing, refrigeration, or plastics to foster efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.

- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Align with Finance, HR, Sales, and R&D teams to foster a cohesive and agile operational structure, ensuring that all departments work toward shared objectives and support growth initiatives.

- Performance Improvement & Change Management: Implement continuous improvement frameworks and lead change initiatives to boost operational efficiency, integrating innovative technologies and lean manufacturing practices.

- People Leadership & Development: Inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing teams, promoting a culture of accountability, empowerment, and collaboration. Provide guidance on leadership and skill development to build a resilient and adaptable workforce.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

- Educational Background: A Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required, complemented by an MBA to bring together technical and strategic business expertise.

- Experience: 15 to 20 years in senior management roles within the manufacturing sector, with a proven track record in managing greenfield projects. Experience in industries such as bakery, construction, chemicals, food processing, refrigeration, or plastics is preferred.

Age Requirement: Ideally 45 years or younger.

Skills & Competencies:

- Leadership: Exceptional ability to lead diverse teams, motivate and inspire personnel, and drive operational improvements.

- Project Management: Expertise in overseeing large-scale projects, with a meticulous focus on timelines, budget control, and quality standards.

- Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Adept at assessing business challenges, making data-driven decisions, and executing plans that align with corporate objectives.