Defy Appliances is recruiting for a General Assistant (R&D) position in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
This is a permanent opportunity within Defy’s Research & Development division. Although the position is listed as entry level, applicants should note that the employer requires a minimum of three years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
Candidates need Grade 12, while a relevant technical qualification and forklift licence will be advantageous.
The General Assistant will work within Research & Development (R&D) rather than performing only traditional general-worker duties.
The successful candidate will support different R&D activities, including product testing, movement of products and materials, prototype builds, production-line audits and logistical activities.
There is also an administrative element to the position because the employee will need to capture and communicate testing results using programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
This makes the vacancy particularly suitable for someone who already has manufacturing experience and is comfortable combining practical work with basic computer and administrative duties.
Key Responsibilities
Operate a Forklift or Hyster
The successful candidate may be required to operate a forklift or Hyster, subject to receiving the necessary training and certification.
A forklift licence is listed as advantageous rather than a compulsory minimum requirement.
Candidates who already have a valid forklift licence should clearly mention it on their CV.
Assist With Transport Testing
The General Assistant will help with transport-testing activities undertaken by the Research & Development team.
The role includes supporting testing procedures and ensuring relevant results are properly recorded.
Capture Transport-Testing Results
This position requires more than physical work.
The successful candidate will need to capture, record and communicate transport-testing results using:
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Strong computer proficiency is therefore an important requirement.
Applicants should highlight previous Microsoft Office experience on their CV.
Work Between R&D and Stores
The successful candidate will act as a liaison between:
Research & Development
Stores
Other relevant operational departments
Good communication and interpersonal skills are important because the General Assistant will need to work with employees from different parts of the business.
Assist With R&D Products and Materials
The role includes assisting with the:
Identification of products and materials
Movement of R&D products
Movement of components
Scrapping of R&D products and materials
Candidates with previous stores, warehouse, production or materials-handling experience may find these responsibilities familiar.
Support Product Benchmarking
The General Assistant will assist with product benchmarking activities.
This can involve:
Moving products
Preparing products
Taking measurements
Recording information
Completing relevant documentation
Attention to detail will be particularly important when working with measurements and product information.
Assist With Prototype Builds
Another interesting part of this position is exposure to prototype and product-development activities.
The successful candidate will assist with prototype and non-critical product builds under the direction of the appropriate engineer or specialist.
This provides the employee with an opportunity to work alongside technical and engineering personnel within Defy’s Research & Development environment.
Assist With Production-Line Audits
The General Assistant will support production-line and Bill of Materials (BOM) audits.
Responsibilities may include:
Production-line evaluations
Steel material-consumption checks
Plastic material-consumption checks
Bill of Materials audits
Assisting with relevant documentation
Previous familiarity with a Bill of Materials will be advantageous.
What Is a Bill of Materials?
A Bill of Materials (BOM) is essentially a detailed list of the materials, components and parts required to manufacture a product.
For example, when manufacturing an appliance, the BOM may identify the different components and materials needed to produce that particular product.
Defy lists familiarity with BOM processes as an advantage for this vacancy.
Driving and Logistical Support
The successful candidate may provide driving and logistical support for approved departmental activities.
These may include:
Audits
Product collections
Testing activities
Other authorised R&D operations
Candidates with relevant logistical or driving experience should mention this on their CV where applicable.
Support R&D Teams
The employee will support daily operational requests from the R&D squads and Cooking Construction team.
This means responsibilities can change depending on what the department needs on a particular day.
Defy specifically states that the position operates within an agile environment.
Task priorities and responsibilities may therefore be adjusted according to departmental and operational requirements.
Candidates should be flexible and comfortable working on different tasks.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
The successful candidate may also serve as a:
First Aid representative
Health and Safety representative
This will depend on departmental and company requirements.
Previous health and safety or First Aid training could therefore be useful experience to highlight when applying.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates should carefully check the requirements before submitting an application.
Grade 12
Applicants need Grade 12.
Manufacturing Experience
Candidates require a minimum of:
3+ years’ experience within a manufacturing environment.
This is one of the most important requirements.
Even though the vacancy is classified as entry level, candidates should not assume that no previous experience is required.
Computer Skills
Applicants need strong computer proficiency, particularly with the Microsoft Office Suite.
This includes:
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Communication Skills
Good communication and interpersonal skills are required because the position involves working with R&D, Stores, engineers, specialists and other operational departments.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Candidates should be able to identify problems, understand information and assist with practical solutions.
Attention to Detail
Accuracy will be important when:
Recording test results
Taking measurements
Working with products
Completing documentation
Assisting with BOM audits
Checking material consumption
Advantageous Qualifications and Skills
The following are listed as advantageous:
Relevant technical qualification
Forklift licence
Familiarity with Bill of Materials (BOM)
These are advantages rather than the stated core minimum requirements.
Candidates who have any of these should make them clearly visible on their CV.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity may be suitable for candidates with previous experience as:
General Assistants
Manufacturing Assistants
Production Workers
Production Assistants
R&D Assistants
Stores Assistants
Manufacturing General Workers
Forklift Operators
Material Handlers
Production-Line Workers
The strongest candidates will likely be those who can demonstrate a combination of manufacturing experience, computer skills, practical ability and good attention to detail.
How to Apply for the Defy General Assistant Vacancy
Step 1: Update Your CV
Your CV should clearly include:
Full name and surname
Active cellphone number
Email address
Residential location
Grade 12
Technical qualifications, if applicable
Forklift licence, if applicable
Manufacturing experience
Computer skills
Employment history
References
Step 2: Highlight Your Manufacturing Experience
Because Defy requires at least three years of manufacturing experience, make this easy for recruiters to identify.
Instead of simply writing:
General Worker – ABC Company
include some of the relevant duties you performed.
For example:
Assisted production-line operations
Moved materials between production areas
Completed basic stock checks
Operated manufacturing equipment
Followed health and safety procedures
Assisted with production documentation
Only include duties you actually performed.
Step 3: Mention Your Computer Skills
Microsoft Office is important for this vacancy.
If applicable, include:
Computer Skills
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data capturing
Electronic record keeping
Step 4: Include Your Forklift Licence
If you have a valid forklift licence, make it clearly visible.
For example:
Licences & Certificates
Valid Forklift Licence
Grade 12
First Aid Certificate, if applicable
Health and Safety training, if applicable
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Follow the application instructions provided on the vacancy page and complete all required information.
Upload your latest CV and any supporting documents requested during the application process.
Step 6: Apply Before the Closing Date
The closing date is:
17 August 2026
Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible.
CV Profile Example
Candidates who genuinely meet the requirements could use a profile similar to:
Experienced manufacturing professional with more than three years of experience in production and operational environments. Skilled in material handling, production support, Microsoft Office and working according to health and safety procedures. Detail-oriented, organised and comfortable working across production, stores and technical teams.
If you have a forklift licence, you can also mention it in your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What position is Defy recruiting for?
Defy Appliances is recruiting a General Assistant (R&D).
Where is the job located?
The position is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Is the position permanent?
Yes. The vacancy is advertised as permanent.
Is Grade 12 required?
Yes. Grade 12 is listed under the qualifications and skills requirements.
Do I need previous experience?
Yes. Candidates need at least three years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
Is a forklift licence compulsory?
The vacancy lists a forklift licence as advantageous. Forklift or Hyster operation is also subject to the required training and certification.
Do I need a technical qualification?
A relevant technical qualification is listed as advantageous.
Do I need computer skills?
Yes. Strong Microsoft Office proficiency is required because the successful candidate will capture and communicate testing results using Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
What does R&D mean?
R&D stands for Research and Development.
What is the closing date?
Applications close on 17 August 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Defy Appliances General Assistant (R&D) vacancy in Durban offers an opportunity for someone with practical manufacturing experience who also has good computer and administrative skills.
Unlike a basic General Worker position, this role provides exposure to Research & Development, product testing, prototype builds, product benchmarking, production-line audits, materials handling and logistical support.
Candidates with Grade 12 and at least three years of manufacturing experience who meet the other requirements should consider applying before 17 August 2026.
Nonhlanhla Ndlovu is the founder and publisher of EduFeeds, a South Africa–focused platform that shares verified learnerships, internships, bursaries, and job opportunities for young people and job seekers.
With a strong focus on helping South African youth access real career opportunities, Nonhlanhla researches and verifies programmes from official company sources and public announcements before publication. EduFeeds aims to simplify the application process by providing clear guidance, requirements, and practical tips to help applicants apply with confidence.
Nonhlanhla continues to monitor updates from SETAs, companies, and training providers to ensure information on Edu Feeds remains current and useful. She focuses on publishing timely and accurate opportunity updates for the South African youth employment market.
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