Company Overview: We are a leading, forward-thinking logistics and supply chain solutions provider dedicated to operational excellence. By integrating advanced technology with efficient warehouse management practices, we ensure seamless delivery and distribution across South Africa. We believe in nurturing young talent, offering a dynamic environment where a Junior Industrial Engineer can grow their technical skill set, drive continuous improvement, and actively contribute to digital transformation.
Job Description: We are looking for a detailed-oriented and analytical Junior Industrial Engineer to join our Durban operations team. In this role, you will play a crucial part in bridging the gap between physical warehouse operations and digital systems. You will provide essential system support, analyze operational data, map workflows, and assist in driving Lean process optimization across the warehouse ecosystem.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide first-line WMS (Warehouse Management System) and desktop support to warehouse users.
- Maintain WMS master data, physical locations, and overall inventory accuracy.
- Support the configuration and functionality of warehouse hardware, including scanners, printers, and handheld devices.
- Analyze WMS data to identify trends, risks, and process improvement opportunities.
- Assist with process optimization, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development, and Lean improvement initiatives.
- Develop and maintain operational KPIs and performance dashboards.
- Create and maintain clear, structured process maps and workflows using XMind and Microsoft Visio.
- Support digital process improvement initiatives using Microsoft 365 tools and Power Apps.
- Train warehouse staff on correct WMS usage and standard operating procedures.
- Support strict compliance with company health & safety and ISO 9001:2015 quality requirements.
Requirements & Qualifications:
- Education: Degree or National Diploma in Industrial Engineering (Required).
- Experience: 0–2 years of experience (Completed internships or in-service training will be highly advantageous).
- Methodologies: A solid basic understanding of Lean and Six Sigma principles.
- Software Tools: Practical process mapping skills using tools such as XMind and Visio. Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (exposure to Power Apps is considered an advantage).
- Soft Skills: Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving capabilities. Excellent communication skills with a natural ability to train and upskill system users.
2. Career Advice for Applicants (To feature on job-wise.co.za)
How to Stand Out for this Junior Industrial Engineer Role:
- Highlight Your Tech & Tool Savvy: Since this role heavily relies on digital tools, don’t just list “Visio” or “Power Apps” on your CV—briefly describe a project, university assignment, or internship where you used them to solve a problem or map a process.
- Emphasize Your “Floor-to-Desk” Versatility: Warehouse engineering isn’t just a desk job. Show that you are comfortable working with system data in front of a computer, but equally enthusiastic about stepping onto the warehouse floor to train staff, troubleshoot hardware, and audit physical inventory locations.
- Demonstrate ISO and Safety Awareness: Mentioning your familiarity with ISO 9001:2015 frameworks or health and safety standards in your cover letter proves you respect structured, regulated corporate environments—a massive plus for operations managers.
3. Possible Interview Questions (For Candidate Preparation)
Technical & System Questions:
- “This role requires first-line WMS and hardware support. Can you describe your experience with Warehouse Management Systems, or discuss how you would troubleshoot a malfunctioning handheld scanner on a busy floor?”
- “Walk us through a process mapping exercise you’ve done in the past using Visio, XMind, or a similar tool. What was the process, and what did the map reveal?”
- “We are looking to leverage Microsoft 365 and Power Apps for digital improvements. Do you have any exposure to Power Apps or automated workflows, even from a university project perspective?”
Lean & Process Optimization Questions: 4. “How do you define the difference between a bottleneck and waste (muda) in a warehouse layout, and how would you go about identifying them using WMS data?” 5. “Can you give an example of how you have applied a specific Lean or Six Sigma principle (like 5S or Kanban) to optimize a physical workspace or digital workflow?”
Behavioral & Training Questions: 6. “You will be tasked with training warehouse staff on new SOPs or WMS updates. How do you approach explaining complex technical system procedures to operators who might prefer traditional, paper-based methods?” 7. “Tell us about a time you identified an error or a trend in data that others missed. What was the discrepancy, and what action did you take?”