General Assistant (R&D) Jobs 2026 at Defy Appliances | Durban
Defy Appliances is inviting applications for a General Assistant (R&D) position in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This is a permanent opportunity within the company’s Research & Development (R&D) division and is suitable for candidates with manufacturing experience, strong computer skills, and an interest in supporting product development and testing activities.
The position was posted on 7 August 2026, with applications closing on 17 August 2026.
The General Assistant will provide practical, administrative, logistical, and operational support to the R&D team. The role involves working with different departments, assisting with product testing and movement, capturing information, supporting audits, and helping with various R&D activities.
Job Overview
- Job Title: General Assistant (R&D)
- Company: Defy Appliances
- Division: Research & Development
- Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Job Type: Permanent
- Experience Level: Entry Level
- Posted: 7 August 2026
- Closing Date: 17 August 2026
About the General Assistant (R&D) Role
The General Assistant will support the day-to-day activities of the Research & Development department. The position involves a combination of hands-on manufacturing support, product testing, data capturing, logistics, and administrative responsibilities.
Although the position is classified as entry level, the vacancy specifies a minimum of three years’ experience in a manufacturing environment. Candidates should therefore have practical knowledge of manufacturing operations and be comfortable working in an environment where priorities can change according to business and project requirements.
The successful candidate will work closely with R&D, Stores, engineers, specialists, production teams, and other operational departments.
Key Responsibilities
Forklift and Material Handling
The General Assistant may be required to operate a forklift or Hyster when appropriately trained and certified.
Responsibilities may include assisting with the movement of R&D products, materials, components, and other items within the relevant operational areas.
Candidates must only operate equipment when they have the required training and certification.
Transport Testing
The position will provide support during transport-testing activities.
This may involve assisting with testing processes, recording results, and ensuring that relevant information is properly documented.
The General Assistant will use Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to capture, record, and communicate transport-testing results.
Departmental Coordination
The successful candidate will act as a liaison between the Research & Development department, Stores, and other relevant operational departments.
Good communication skills will therefore be important when coordinating product movement, materials, testing activities, and other departmental requirements.
Product Identification and Movement
The General Assistant will assist with identifying, moving, and scrapping R&D products, materials, and components.
This requires good organisational skills and attention to detail to ensure that products and materials are handled correctly.
Product Benchmarking
The role also supports product benchmarking activities.
Duties may include:
- Moving products.
- Preparing products for benchmarking.
- Taking measurements.
- Recording information.
- Supporting product documentation.
These activities contribute to the R&D team’s ability to evaluate and compare products.
Prototype and Product Builds
The successful candidate may assist with prototype and non-critical product builds under the direction of an engineer or relevant specialist.
Applicants should be comfortable following technical instructions and working carefully when supporting product development activities.
Audits
The General Assistant will assist with production-line and Bill of Materials (BOM) audits.
This may include checking steel and plastic material consumption and assisting with line evaluations.
Knowledge of BOM processes will be an advantage.
Driving and Logistics
The position includes providing driving and logistical support for approved departmental activities.
This may include assisting with:
- Audits.
- Product collections.
- Product testing.
- Approved R&D activities.
- Movement of products and materials.
Daily R&D Support
The General Assistant will support daily operational requests from R&D teams and the Cooking Construction team.
Because the role operates in an agile environment, duties and priorities may change according to departmental requirements and operational demands.
Qualifications and Requirements
Candidates should meet the following requirements:
- Grade 12.
- Relevant technical qualification is advantageous.
- Forklift licence is advantageous.
- Minimum of three years’ experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong computer proficiency.
- Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- BOM familiarity is advantageous.
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
Computer Skills
Strong computer skills are required, particularly when working with Microsoft Office applications such as:
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Communication
Good communication and interpersonal skills are important because the role involves working with several departments and operational teams.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Candidates should be able to identify problems, understand information, and assist with practical solutions during R&D activities.
Attention to Detail
Accuracy is important when capturing testing results, documenting products, assisting with audits, and handling materials.
Organisation
Good organisational skills will help the successful candidate manage different tasks and changing priorities within the R&D environment.
First Aid and Health & Safety Responsibilities
The General Assistant may also serve as a First Aid Representative and Health and Safety Representative, subject to departmental and company requirements.
This means candidates should understand the importance of maintaining safe working practices and supporting a workplace environment where health and safety requirements are followed.
Working Environment
This position is based within the manufacturing environment and forms part of the Research & Development function.
The successful candidate should be comfortable performing practical duties, supporting testing activities, working with products and materials, and collaborating with different operational departments.
The agile nature of the role means that responsibilities may change depending on project requirements and operational priorities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare an updated CV that clearly outlines their qualifications, manufacturing experience, computer skills, and any relevant technical or operational experience.
Applicants should carefully review the employer’s official application process and ensure that their applications are submitted before the closing date.
Closing Date
The Defy Appliances General Assistant (R&D) vacancy closes on:
17 August 2026
The position is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and is offered on a permanent basis.
Final Thoughts
The Defy Appliances General Assistant (R&D) vacancy offers an opportunity for an experienced manufacturing worker to join a Research & Development environment and gain exposure to product testing, benchmarking, audits, logistics, and product development activities.
Candidates with Grade 12, manufacturing experience, strong Microsoft Office skills, good communication abilities, and attention to detail should consider this opportunity.
If you meet the stated requirements, prepare your application and submit it before 17 August 2026.
Source: Defy Appliances General Assistant (R&D) vacancy information provided in the recruitment advertisement.
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