Group Chief Operating Officer

2 weeks ago

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Square 1 Recruitment Full time

Are you an experienced operational leader with a proven track record in large-scale manufacturing? Do you have the strategic vision to transform a group of dynamic, independently operating businesses?

This career-defining opportunity calls for a visionary COO to map and direct the strategic course of a high-growth, multi-subsidiary manufacturing group. You will drive efficiency, innovation, and expansion across multiple operations, ensuring long-term success in an evolving global market.

About the Group
This diversified manufacturing group operates across multiple key sectors, with a strong focus on engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain excellence. With well-established businesses, strong market positioning, and ambitious growth strategies, the group is set for national and international expansion.

Each subsidiary operates independently, bringing specialised technical capabilities and market expertise. Your role as COO will be critical in ensuring synergy, efficiency, and long-term profitability across the group. Your Role
Reporting to the CEO and collaborating closely with the Board of Directors, Subsidiary CEOs, Group CFO, Group HR, and other key stakeholders, your core responsibilities will include:
  • Strategic Leadership Map and direct the long-term growth strategy, ensuring alignment across all subsidiaries.
  • Operational Excellence Oversee manufacturing efficiency, supply chain management, and best-practice standardisation.
  • Market Expansion & Innovation Drive high-impact initiatives, including global market expansion, alternative energy solutions, and procurement optimisation.
  • Financial & Risk Oversight Ensure profitability, cost efficiency, and risk mitigation, safeguarding the groups long-term sustainability.
  • Transformation & Change Management Implement best-in-class industrial standards (ISO, IATF 16949) and lead digital transformation in manufacturing.
  • Leadership & Succession Planning Build and mentor a world-class executive team, with a structured pathway for a potential CEO transition.
Requirements

Qualifications
We are looking for a combination of both technical and commercial qualifications, ideally:

  • BSc / BEng in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Chemical, or Metallurgical Engineering.
  • MBA, Masters in Engineering, BCom (Finance/Accounting), or Postgraduate Leadership Qualification.

Industry Experience

  • Minimum 15 years experience in a senior leadership role within the metalworking industry, specifically: Foundry, Machining, Fabrication, or Heavy Engineering.
  • A proven track record in leading large-scale, complex manufacturing operations.

Leadership & Group-Level Strategy

  • Proven experience overseeing multiple manufacturing subsidiaries within a group structure (with at least 500+ employees across multiple locations).
  • Strong ability to drive corporate-level strategy and cross-business unit collaboration.

Financial & Commercial Acumen

  • Demonstrated success in managing large budgets at the group level (not just site-based budgets).
  • Expertise in financial forecasting, risk management, and cost-efficiency strategies.
  • Experience in international market expansion and global supply chain strategies.

Strategic & Operational Expertise

  • Strong background in capital-intensive, heavy industrial operations.
  • Must have led major investment projects, expansions, or technology-driven transformations.
  • Track record of driving sustainable revenue growth, not just cost-cutting initiatives.

This Search is Managed by:

Hillary Myburgh Managing Consultant (Square 1 Recruitment)

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