Manufacturing Industry CEO

Denver, Johannesburg, South Africa Posted on 02/03/2026

A fast-paced, medium-sized plastic packaging manufacturing business is seeking an experienced CEO to lead and drive overall business performance.

This role requires a commercially astute and operationally strong executive with proven experience leading a manufacturing operation of 50+ employees. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for strategic direction, operational excellence, financial performance, and sustainable growth within a fast-paced production environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong plastics industry exposure (preferred) and a demonstrable track record in senior leadership within manufacturing.

• Lead the development and execution of the overall business strategy.
• Drive transformation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Align operational activities with short-, medium-, and long-term strategic objectives.
• Report directly to shareholders on performance, strategy, and financial outcomes.

• Oversee all plant and manufacturing operations to ensure safety, quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Drive lean manufacturing principles and operational excellence methodologies.
• Optimise plant utilisation, labour efficiency, materials usage, and scrap reduction.
• Ensure capital projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Monitor production schedules to meet customer specifications and deadlines.
• Full responsibility for financial management, including working capital and cost control.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes.
• Manage capital expenditure and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Drive sales force effectiveness and procurement improvements.
• Maintain strong customer and stakeholder relationships.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation including the OHS Act, Companies Act, food safety and regulatory standards.
• Promote and maintain a proactive Environmental, Health & Safety culture.
• Uphold corporate governance standards and ethical compliance.

• Lead and develop a high-performing management team.
• Drive employee engagement, talent management, and performance management systems.
• Oversee HR, finance, and administrative functions.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor's Degree (Engineering preferred; alternatively Business or related qualification).
• Minimum 8 years' experience in a senior executive role (GM/Director/CEO level).
• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing operation with 50+ employees.
• Strong background in plastics packaging or similar manufacturing industry (highly advantageous).
• Demonstrated experience in financial oversight, operational management, and strategic leadership
• Strategic and commercial acumen
• Strong operational leadership capability
• Change management and transformation leadership
• Stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills
• Results-driven and decisiveHigh level of accountability and ethical leadership
• Strong project management and resource allocation ability