Chief Executive Officer

About this position

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established and respected name in the South African textile manufacturing sector, known 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 fast-evolving industry.

Role Purpose

The Chief Executive Officer is accountable for the overall strategic direction, financial performance, and operational integrity of our client. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will translate the Board's strategic vision into an executable business plan, build a high-performing leadership team, and position the company for sustainable, profitable growth within the textile industry.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop, articulate, and execute the company's strategic vision and long-term growth plan in alignment with Board objectives
• Translate strategy into clear operational goals and measurable targets across all business units
• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, product lines, and potential partnerships or acquisitions within the textile sector
• Ensure strong financial performance through disciplined budgeting, forecasting, and cost management
• Oversee capital allocation, investment decisions, and working capital management to support sustainable growth
• Report regularly to the Board on financial performance, key risks, and strategic progress

Operational Excellence

• Oversee day-to-day operations across production, supply chain, and quality assurance to ensure efficiency, productivity, and profitability
• Drive continuous improvement and modernization initiatives, including investment in technology and process optimization
• Ensure consistent product quality and reliable delivery performance to maintain client and market confidence
• Lead, mentor, and hold accountable the executive team, including the CFO, COO, Head of Production, and Head of Human Resources
• Foster a high-performance, values-driven organizational culture and build a strong leadership succession pipeline
• Champion employee engagement, skills development, and transformation initiatives across the workforce

Stakeholder Management and Governance

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, clients, industry bodies, and government/regulatory authorities
• Represent Standerton Mills as the primary ambassador of the brand at industry, community, and public forums
• Ensure full compliance with all regulatory, legal, labour, and corporate governance requirements
• Proactively identify commercial, operational, and reputational risks and implement effective mitigation strategies
• Ensure business continuity planning and appropriate insurance and compliance frameworks are in place

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Business, Finance, Process or Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (essential)
• Professional qualification in the industry will be an added advantage

Experience

• A minimum of 10 years' experience within the textile, apparel, or broader manufacturing industry
• A proven track record in a senior leadership or executive role, ideally at CEO, Managing Director, or General Manager level
• Demonstrated success in driving business growth, turnaround, or operational transformation
• Experience engaging with Boards, investors, or shareholders at a strategic level

Skills and Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking and commercial acumen, with the ability to translate vision into execution
• Excellent financial literacy, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and hold senior management teams accountable
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and change-management skills
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities
• High level of integrity and sound understanding of corporate governance principles

Personal Attributes

• A mature, seasoned professional with sound judgement and gravitas
• Results-driven, with a hands‑on, visible leadership approach
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable operating in a dynamic and evolving business environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and influence at Board level

What is on offers

• A competitive, negotiable executive remuneration package with performance-based incentives
• The opportunity to lead a well-established, respected industry name through an exciting phase of growth
• Autonomy and genuine Board support to shape and execute the company's long-term strategy
• A collaborative executive team and a values-driven organizational culture

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