Chief Executive Officer

Our client is a well-established and respected name in the South African textile manufacturing sector
, recognized for producing high-quality woven and knitted fabrics for both domestic and export markets.

With decades of operational heritage, the company combines traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing technology to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. As the business enters its next phase of growth, our client is seeking a strategic, commercially astute, and transformational Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization through modernization, market expansion, and operational transformation, while preserving the values and legacy that have made the company an employer and supplier of choice in the region.

The Chief Executive Officer will provide overall strategic and operational leadership to the business, with accountability for commercial performance, manufacturing operations, financial sustainability, people leadership, customer relationships, and long-term growth
.

The successful candidate will be expected to build on the company's existing strengths while identifying and executing opportunities to improve operational efficiency, expand market share, strengthen the company's competitive position, and unlock new domestic and international revenue streams.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an executive who can operate effectively across strategy, manufacturing, finance, commercial development, people, and stakeholder management
.

• Develop and execute the company's overall business strategy in alignment with shareholder objectives.
• Establish clear short-, medium-, and long-term strategic priorities and translate them into measurable business plans.
• Lead the organization through its next phase of growth, modernization, and transformation.
• Identify emerging market trends, competitive threats, and opportunities for business expansion.
• Strengthen the company's position within the South African and international textile markets.
• Ensure the company's heritage, values, and reputation remain central to its future growth strategy.

• Provide strategic oversight of all manufacturing and operational activities.
• Drive improvements in productivity, quality, efficiency, capacity utilization, and cost management.
• Champion the modernization of manufacturing processes, systems, technology, and equipment where appropriate.
• Ensure production operations meet required quality, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and ensure accountability across the leadership team.
• Promote continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.
• Work closely with technical and production teams to optimize manufacturing performance.

• Develop and execute strategies to increase revenue, profitability, and market share.
• Expand the company's customer base across domestic and export markets.
• Identify new products, customer segments, geographic markets, and commercial partnerships.
• Strengthen relationships with major customers, suppliers, distributors, and strategic partners.
• Monitor pricing, market positioning, competitor activity, and industry developments.
• Ensure the company's product offering remains aligned with evolving customer and market requirements.
• Take overall accountability for the company's financial performance and sustainability.
• Work closely with the finance function to develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
• Drive revenue growth while maintaining strong cost discipline and margin performance.
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, profitability, capital expenditure, and overall financial health.
• Evaluate major investments and business opportunities to ensure sound commercial returns.
• Maintain appropriate financial governance, controls, and risk management practices.

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing executive and management team.
• Establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Develop talent and succession plans for critical leadership and technical positions.
• Ensure effective workforce planning aligned with business requirements.
• Promote employee engagement, productivity, and professional development.
• Lead organizational change effectively while maintaining employee…