General Manager - Operations and Engineering - Centurion

ExecutivePlacements.com

Recruiter

JenRec Recruitment

Job Ref

Date posted

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

Salary

Highly competitive package

SUMMARY

A well-established South African technology company specialising in advanced electro-optical systems and related technologies is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead its operations.

POSITION INFO

This is an executive leadership role for an accomplished engineering professional who combines strategic thinking with strong operational execution. The successful candidate will oversee company operations, drive business performance, lead multidisciplinary teams, and ensure the successful delivery of strategic objectives. The company offers a professional yet collaborative working environment where innovation, accountability, and technical excellence are valued. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership Lead and oversee the company''s day-to-day operations. Drive operational efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with internal processes, quality standards, and best practices. Monitor operational performance and provide regular reporting to executive leadership. Financial Management Develop, manage, and monitor company budgets. Analyse financial performance and report against strategic objectives. Oversee resource allocation and ensure effective financial control. People Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary engineering and operational teams. Drive performance management through measurable KPIs. Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and accountable culture. Strategic Execution Translate executive and board-level strategy into measurable operational objectives. Ensure successful execution of strategic initiatives across the business. Support sustainable business growth through effective planning and leadership. Minimum Requirements Qualifications Bachelor''s Degree in Engineering (Essential) Postgraduate Engineering qualification advantageous Systems Engineering training (SEBOK or equivalent) advantageous Project Management certification (PMBOK, PRINCE2 or equivalent) advantageous Experience 15-20 years'' experience across the complete product development lifecycle. Extensive experience within electro-optical technologies or closely related engineering sectors. Minimum 5 years'' senior management experience leading engineering or product development teams. Experience in production, engineering support, or manufacturing environments will be advantageous. Client-facing experience involving development, deployment, maintenance, or long-term support is beneficial. Key Skills Strategic and operational leadership Engineering and product development management Financial planning and budget management Contract negotiation and contract management Project scope and change management Risk management Resource planning and scheduling Systems thinking Quality management principles Strong leadership and people management Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement Conflict resolution and decision-making Strong analytical and problem-solving ability Ability to perform effectively in high-pressure environments Personal Attributes The ideal candidate will be: A confident and decisive leader. Results-driven with strong commercial awareness. Highly organised and structured. A proactive self-starter who follows through on commitments. A strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term objectives and operational priorities. Comfortable making difficult decisions when required. Professional, approachable, and capable of building high-performing teams. What We Offer Highly competitive remuneration package. Opportunity to lead an innovative, technology-focused organisation. Executive-level leadership role with significant influence on business growth. Collaborative and technically driven working environment. Long-term career opportunity within a growing South African technology company. Interested candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV outlining their qualifications and relevant experience. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stage of the recruitment process.