| Date posted 8 December 2025 |
| Location Gauteng – South Africa |
| Industry Major Multinational • Market Leader • Multi-Site Operations • Industrial Supply |
| Closing Date 15 January 2026 |
| Are you a visionary leader ready to guide a global food-manufacturing organisation into a new era of growth and innovation? Our client, a major multinational with a global footprint and head office in Europe, is seeking an exceptional Managing Director to lead their South African operations. With decades of market presence and a reputation as a clear industry leader, the organisation operates a highly complex, multi-site manufacturing business supplying specialised products to industrial markets. The role requires a commercially astute, hands-on leader capable of driving strong performance and sustainable growth. |
| Responsibilities 1. Provide strategic and operational leadership across business development, sales and marketing, human resources, technical services, production, supply chain, and finance. 2. Lead a complex multi-site operations business to achieve excellence in supplying to industrial markets. 3. Drive commercial expansion, market share growth, and customer engagement. 4. Ensure profitability through strong sales growth, supported by effective and disciplined financial management. 5. Strengthen the company’s market position and promote their value proposition across all markets serviced. 6. Represent the South African business at a global level, aligning operations with group strategy. 7. Be a highly visible, hands-on leader—engaging directly with customers and being present among staff at all levels. |
| Requirements 1. At least 10 years’ experience leading a large, profitable, and complex business—preferably in food manufacturing or related industrial sectors 2. Tertiary qualification is essential 3. Proven track record of growth, commercial success, and high-level organisational leadership. 4. Exceptional people leadership skills, with a passion for developing and empowering teams. 5. Strong commercial background with a collaborative, influential leadership style. 6. Excellent stakeholder-management capabilities and confidence operating within a multinational structure. 7. Hands-on approach, with strong presence in customer environments and operational areas. |
| Why Join? This is a rare opportunity to lead a highly successful, market-leading organisation with a long and respected history in South Africa. The role offers the challenge and reward of guiding a complex industrial supply business with significant scale and strategic importance. A highly competitive remuneration package is offered, including a strong incentive-based structure designed to reward exceptional performance. Application Information Leonie Fischer & Associates has been exclusively retained to source top talent for this position. You can be assured of the highest level of confidentiality throughout the process |
How to Apply If you are a strategic, hands-on, people-centric leader ready for a defining career opportunity, we invite you to apply. Please click the “APPLY” button at the end of this listing, and select the position on the drop-down application form. |