General Manager

Location: Epping, Cape Town

Industry: Fresh Produce | Food Distribution | Wholesale | FMCG

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day performance of the Cape Town operation.

• Lead teams across procurement, market buying, dispatch, invoicing, warehousing, kitchen preparation, packing and administration.

• Drive revenue growth, profitability, gross margins and cost control.

• Develop new business and maintain strong relationships with key customers.

• Monitor budgets, operational costs, KPIs and performance targets.

• Ensure products are sourced, prepared, stored and delivered efficiently.

• Maintain excellent customer service and on-time delivery standards.

• Manage supplier and grower relationships to ensure quality, availability and competitive pricing.

• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and quality control.

• Ensure compliance with HACCP, SANS, GlobalG.A.P. and relevant certification requirements.

• Improve stock management, wastage control and operational efficiency.

• Identify operational risks and implement practical solutions.

• Recruit, lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team.

• Set clear performance expectations and promote accountability across departments.

• Prepare management reports, forecasts and performance updates.

Minimum Requirements

• At least 8–10 years’ management experience.

• A minimum of five years in a senior leadership or General Management role.

• Experience managing a multidisciplinary team of approximately 45 employees.

• Proven experience in fresh produce, food distribution, wholesale, FMCG, retail, hospitality supply or a related environment.

• Strong commercial, financial and operational understanding.

• A proven record of improving revenue, profitability and business performance.

• Experience managing budgets, costs, KPIs and operational targets.

• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality control and compliance.

• Excellent leadership, negotiation and problem-solving skills.

• A confident, assertive and hands-on management style.

• Strong customer and supplier relationship-management abilities.

• Valid driver’s license and own reliable vehicle.

• Willingness to work across operational shifts when required.

Advantageous

• A relevant tertiary qualification.

• Direct experience in fresh produce or food manufacturing and distribution.

• Knowledge of HACCP, GlobalG.A.P., SANS or similar food-safety standards.

• Experience using ERP, inventory, warehouse or supply-chain systems.