Defy Appliances General Worker Job Opportunity in KZN

Defy Appliances is looking for a General Assistant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity within the Research and Development department. The position may suit candidates who have Grade 12, manufacturing experience, good computer skills and an interest in working in a production and technical environment.

The General Assistant will provide operational and logistical support to the Research and Development teams. The successful candidate will assist with product testing, movement of materials, product preparation, audits, documentation and other daily activities required by the department.

This opportunity is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and offers a market-related salary. Candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to carefully read the full job advert before submitting an application.

Job Details

Company: Defy Appliances

Position: General Assistant (R&D)

Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Employment Type: Permanent

Work Schedule: Full Time

Sector: Manufacturing

Salary: Market Related

Reference Number: 197489

Closing Date: 17 August 2026

About the General Assistant Position

The General Assistant position is part of the Research and Development environment at Defy Appliances. The successful candidate will support various activities involving products, materials, testing, audits and operational requirements.

Because the role works closely with different departments, the successful applicant should be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and follow instructions carefully. In addition, attention to detail is important because some duties involve recording testing results, checking materials and supporting product development activities.

The position may also involve physical work, including moving products, materials and components. Therefore, applicants should be prepared to work in a manufacturing environment and assist with different operational tasks when required.

Requirements

Applicants interested in the Defy Appliances General Assistant vacancy should have a Grade 12 qualification. A relevant technical qualification will be advantageous, particularly for candidates who want to develop their experience in a manufacturing or technical environment.

A valid forklift licence is also advantageous. Candidates who have the necessary training and certification may be required to operate a forklift or Hyster as part of their duties.

Previous experience in a manufacturing environment is required. The advertised position calls for a minimum of three years of manufacturing experience. Candidates should therefore have a good understanding of working in an operational or production environment.

Computer skills are also important for this position. Applicants should be comfortable using Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint. These skills will be used when capturing, recording and communicating transport-testing results and other information.

Knowledge of Bill of Materials, commonly referred to as BOM, will be an advantage. Candidates who understand how materials and components are recorded and used in manufacturing may therefore be better suited to the position.

The successful candidate should also have good communication and interpersonal skills. Furthermore, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, attention to detail and good organisational skills will be important in carrying out the duties of the position.

Key Responsibilities

The General Assistant will support the Research and Development department with a range of operational activities. One of the responsibilities may include operating a forklift or Hyster, provided the employee has completed the required training and holds the necessary certification.

The successful candidate will also assist with transport testing. This may involve helping with the preparation and movement of products and supporting the team during testing activities.

Transport-testing results must be captured, recorded and communicated accurately. The employee will therefore use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint as part of the reporting process.

Another important part of the position is communication between departments. The General Assistant will act as a liaison between Research and Development, Stores and other relevant operational departments. Good communication and teamwork will therefore be essential.

The successful candidate will also assist with identifying, moving and scrapping R&D products, materials and components. These activities must be completed according to the company’s procedures and instructions.

The position will provide support with product benchmarking activities. This may include moving and preparing products, taking measurements and ensuring that relevant information is properly documented.

Under the direction of an engineer or specialist, the General Assistant may assist with prototype and non-critical product builds. Candidates must therefore be able to follow technical instructions and work carefully when supporting product development activities.

The employee may also assist with production-line and Bill of Materials audits. These activities can include checking steel and plastic material consumption and assisting with line evaluations.

Driving and logistical support may form part of the position. This can include assisting with audits, product collections, testing activities and other approved departmental requirements.

The General Assistant will also support the daily operational requests of the Research and Development squads and the Cooking Construction team. Since the department operates in an agile environment, tasks and priorities may change according to operational requirements.

The successful employee may also be required to act as a First Aid representative or Health and Safety representative, subject to departmental and company requirements.

Skills and Experience

Applicants should have practical experience that allows them to work confidently in a manufacturing environment. The advertised requirement is a minimum of three years of manufacturing experience.

Computer proficiency is also important. Candidates should have practical knowledge of Microsoft Office and be able to work with documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

Good communication skills are required because the General Assistant will interact with several departments. In addition, the ability to work with others and maintain professional relationships will be important.

Attention to detail is another important requirement. Testing results, product information, materials and audit information must be handled accurately.

Strong organisational skills will help the successful candidate manage different tasks and priorities. The role may involve several activities during the working day, so applicants should be able to plan their work and respond to changing operational requirements.

Who Should Apply?

This Defy Appliances General Assistant opportunity may be suitable for candidates who have Grade 12 and at least three years of experience in a manufacturing environment.

Applicants with a relevant technical qualification may have an advantage. Similarly, candidates who have a valid forklift licence or relevant forklift training may be better suited to duties involving material and product movement.

The position may also suit people who are comfortable working with computers and using Microsoft Office. Candidates should be able to communicate clearly, work as part of a team and follow instructions from engineers, specialists and supervisors.

People who are organised, reliable and detail-oriented may also find this opportunity suitable. Since the role can involve changing priorities, applicants should be flexible and willing to assist with different operational activities.

Before applying, candidates should make sure that they meet the stated qualifications and experience requirements. Applicants should also consider the location of the position and their ability to travel to Durban for work.

How to Apply

Applications for the Defy Appliances General Assistant position should be submitted through the official recruitment platform where the vacancy is advertised.

When applying, search for the position using the job title General Assistant (R&D) and reference number 197489. Make sure that your CV contains accurate information about your qualifications, manufacturing experience, computer skills and any relevant technical or forklift training.

Before submitting your application, carefully review your CV and application information. Ensure that your contact details are correct and that your employment history clearly shows your relevant manufacturing experience.

The closing date listed for this vacancy is 17 August 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the closing date rather than waiting until the final day.

Important: Applicants should use the official recruitment page associated with this vacancy and should never pay money to anyone who claims they can secure the position for them.

Application Tips

A clear and professional CV can help employers understand your experience. When preparing your CV, highlight your manufacturing experience and explain the duties you performed in previous positions.

If you have experience using Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint, make sure this is clearly stated. You should also mention any experience with production environments, product testing, stock or material movement, audits or Bill of Materials.

If you hold a forklift licence or have relevant technical training, include this information in your CV. However, only provide information that is accurate and can be supported if requested during the recruitment process.

Finally, check your application carefully before submitting it. Incorrect contact details, incomplete information or an outdated CV can make it more difficult for an employer to contact you.

Beware of Job Scams

Job seekers should always be careful when applying for employment opportunities online. Legitimate employers do not normally require applicants to pay money in order to submit a job application or secure an interview.

Do not send money to individuals who promise employment, interviews or guaranteed placement. Be careful with requests for banking information, passwords or other sensitive information that is not necessary for the initial application.

Always verify the vacancy and use the official recruitment platform whenever possible. If someone contacts you claiming to represent Defy Appliances and asks for payment, treat the request with caution and verify the information independently.

Closing Date

The advertised closing date for the Defy Appliances General Assistant (R&D) position is 17 August 2026.

Because employers may close or remove vacancies according to their recruitment needs, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What position is Defy Appliances hiring for?

Defy Appliances is advertising a General Assistant (R&D) position in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Where is the General Assistant job located?

The position is based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Is the position permanent?

Yes. The advertised employment type is permanent and full time.

What qualification is required?

A Grade 12 qualification is required. A relevant technical qualification is advantageous.

Is manufacturing experience required?

Yes. The vacancy specifies a minimum of three years of experience in a manufacturing environment.

Is a forklift licence required?

A forklift licence is advantageous. Forklift or Hyster operation is subject to the required training and certification.

What computer skills are required?

Candidates should have strong computer proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

What is the salary?

The salary is listed as market related. Further remuneration details should be confirmed through the official recruitment process.

When does the vacancy close?

The advertised closing date is 17 August 2026.

Terms and Conditions for Dontworry.co.za

Dontworry.co.za provides job information to help South African job seekers discover employment opportunities. Job seekers should always verify vacancy information and application instructions on the original employer’s recruitment platform before applying.

Dontworry.co.za does not guarantee employment, interviews or selection. Publishing a vacancy on this website does not mean that Dontworry.co.za is the employer or recruitment agency responsible for the position.

Applicants are responsible for checking the accuracy of their personal information and application documents before submitting an application. Job seekers should also confirm that a vacancy is still available before applying, as employers may change, close or remove vacancies without prior notice.

Never pay Dontworry.co.za or any individual claiming to represent the website in exchange for a guaranteed job, interview or recruitment placement. Applicants should be cautious of employment scams and should report suspicious requests for payment.

Dontworry.co.za may provide links or references to external recruitment websites. These external websites have their own terms, privacy policies and application procedures. Applicants should review those terms before submitting personal information.

Final Reminder

The Defy Appliances General Assistant (R&D) vacancy provides an opportunity for an experienced manufacturing worker to join a permanent role in Durban. The position combines general operational support with product testing, material movement, documentation, audits and Research and Development activities.

Applicants should have Grade 12, at least three years of manufacturing experience and good computer skills. A relevant technical qualification, forklift licence and knowledge of Bill of Materials can be advantageous.

APPLY FOR THIS JOB HERE

If you meet the requirements, prepare your CV carefully and submit your application through the official recruitment platform before the closing date of 17 August 2026.

Job Title: General Assistant (R&D)