General Manager Recruitment South Africa
PMG recruits General Managers across South Africa — business leaders who run a company, division or branch in manufacturing, industrial, distribution and engineering businesses.
PMG Recruitment Services has been placing senior leaders in South Africa since 2008. Executive appointments are run discreetly, often without public advertising, and every candidate is assessed against the leadership and commercial demands of the role — not just their CV.
What This Role Covers
General Managers are typically responsible for:
- Overall business or divisional performance
- Sales, customers and market growth
- Operations, cost control and profitability
- Leading functional managers
- Reporting to a board, owner or group
- Building the team and culture
What We Assess
General Manager roles vary from sales-led to operations-led. We assess which kind of GM your business needs, results delivered at a similar scale, P&L responsibility, customer and market knowledge, and leadership style — including experience reporting to owners or international parents.
General Manager Remuneration
GM packages depend on business size, sector and incentives. We provide a tailored benchmark for each assignment — contact us to discuss.
Example Role Profile
See an example of the kind of General Manager role we typically recruit for: view the role profile.
Part of Our Executive Search Practice
This role is part of PMG’s Executive Search practice, covering CEOs, Managing Directors, COOs, CFOs, directors and senior functional heads across South African industry.
Current Vacancies
Browse our current vacancies for open roles we’re recruiting for right now. If nothing matches today, submit your CV via the Candidate Portal and we’ll be in touch when a suitable role comes up.
How We Work
- We take a detailed, confidential brief on the role, the board or leadership team, and the business context.
- We map the market and approach candidates directly, including those who are not looking.
- We assess leadership track record against your context and present a shortlist with detailed reports.
- We support you through interviews, referencing, offer and a discreet transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you recruited General Managers before?
Yes. Our General Manager placements include leading the South African business of an international industrial automation manufacturer, recruited together with its Sales Manager and Sales Engineers.
Can you recruit a GM and their team together?
Yes. Recruiting a leader and key team members in one assignment helps them start well together.
Is the search confidential?
Yes, where required.
Hiring a General Manager?
Tell us about the role and a consultant will get back to you with next steps — or browse our current vacancies if you’re looking for your next role.