Our manufacturing and supply chain operations sit at the heart of everything we do. If you’re an industrial engineer who wants to see your ideas move from whiteboard to production floor, this is the place for you.
WHY THIS ROLE?
This is not a “coffee and photocopying” internship. From your first week, you will be embedded in a live manufacturing environment, working alongside experienced engineers and supply chain professionals on problems that matter. You’ll be challenged, supported, and given room to grow — and the work you do will have real, measurable impact on how we produce and deliver premium pet food at scale.
? Real Projects
Work on live manufacturing and supply chain challenges — not simulations.
? Expert Mentorship
Learn directly from experienced supply chain, engineering, and operations leaders.
? Broad Exposure
Rotate across production, planning, warehousing, and distribution.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Your time with us will be hands-on and varied. Here’s a snapshot of what a typical week might look like:
Process Analysis & Improvement
– Analyse pet food manufacturing processes — raw material handling, extrusion, drying, coating, and packaging — and identify where we can do better
– Pinpoint inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and downtime patterns on production and packing lines
– Support line balancing and workflow improvements across production and warehouse operations
– Contribute to OEE tracking and throughput optimisation projects
Data Collection & Analysis
– Collect and analyse production data: output volumes, waste, downtime, and labour utilisation
– Monitor key performance metrics — yield, scrap, rework, and machine performance
– Build production performance dashboards and daily/weekly summaries for operations leadership
– Assist with time studies, work measurement, and labour productivity analysis
Continuous Improvement
– Participate in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives — and see them through to implementation
– Support waste reduction projects targeting raw material losses, packaging waste, and energy use
– Assist with 5S implementation and visual management on the production floor
– Contribute to standardisation of manufacturing and quality processes
Project Support
– Support engineering and operational projects — process upgrades, layout changes, and cost-saving initiatives
– Collaborate with cross-functional teams in Production, Quality, Maintenance, Procurement, and Logistics
– Track project milestones and report on progress and risks
– Assist with plant trials, process validations, and change management
Documentation & Compliance
– Document manufacturing processes, SOPs, and work instructions
– Ensure records align with food safety standards including FSSC 22000 and HACCP
– Maintain accurate audit-ready documentation for continuous improvement initiatives
– Prepare reports and presentations for operational and management review
WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
By the end of your internship, you will have practical, CV-ready experience across six core industrial engineering competencies:
Process & Systems Thinking | Apply industrial engineering tools to real manufacturing challenges — OEE, line balancing, time studies, and yield optimisation.
Data & Analytics | Build dashboards and reports that drive operational decisions across production, warehousing, and logistics.
Continuous Improvement | Practise Lean and Six Sigma in a live factory environment — 5S, waste elimination, SMED, and standardisation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration | Work alongside Production, Quality, Procurement, Maintenance, and Logistics teams from day one.
Professional Documentation | Develop SOPs, work instructions, and compliance records aligned to FSSC 22000 and HACCP standards. Project Management Assist on engineering and operational projects with real milestones, stakeholders, and business impact.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Qualifications
– Currently completing or recently graduated with a Degree in Industrial Engineering or a related field
Experience
– No prior work experience required — this is your launchpad
– Academic or extracurricular exposure to manufacturing, supply chain, or operations is a bonus
Knowledge & Skills
– A solid grounding in industrial engineering principles — from your coursework or personal projects
– Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving ability
– Confidence with Microsoft Excel for data analysis, reporting, and modelling
– Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
– Awareness of food safety or quality standards in manufacturing is an advantage (not a must)
– Clear communicator who can engage confidently across teams
– Strong attention to detail — you take pride in getting it right
The Kind of Person You Are
– Curious and hungry to learn — you ask questions and dig deeper
– Self-motivated and accountable — you follow through
– Collaborative and adaptable — you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments
– Proactive by nature — you spot problems before they’re flagged and bring ideas to the table
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
You’ll be measured on things that actually matter:
– The accuracy and quality of your data analysis and operational reporting
– Your contribution to measurable improvements in manufacturing efficiency and waste reduction
– Progress on production KPIs — OEE improvement, yield gains, downtime reduction
– Timely, reliable delivery of your tasks and project commitments
– The quality and compliance of your documentation and reporting outputs
INTERNSHIP DETAILS
? Duration: Fixed-term internship, typically 6 to 12 months
? Location: Graaff-Reinet, Eastern Cape, South Africa
? Type: Full-time, site-based (production floor exposure required)
? Reporting to: Supply Chain / Engineering leadership team
? Start date: By arrangement
