Loan Set Controller Graduate at Smith+Nephew

Smith+Nephew, a leading global medical technology business, is inviting ambitious candidates to join their dynamic supply chain and operations team as a Loan Set Controller Graduate in Cape Town, Western Cape. In this entry-level graduate position, you will play an essential role in medical inventory control, reverse logistics, and orthopedic instrument kit replenishment. The successful candidate will work closely with healthcare logistics processes that ensure life-saving surgical sets and medical devices reach hospitals and healthcare professionals promptly, accurately, and safely.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform end-to-end loan set and inventory management functions, including meticulous kit preparation, filling, and maintenance.

• Conduct thorough washing, functional checking, and physical inspection of surgical instrumentation to verify they are in pristine working condition.

• Coordinate reverse logistics by physically inspecting returned instrument sets and updating status counts accurately on the internal ERP inventory system.

• Ensure loan sets are fully accounted for, sanitized, assembled, and delivered to healthcare facilities strictly on schedule.

• Place proactive stock orders to replenish depleted instrument kits and maintain safety stock thresholds for peak operating demands.

• Collaborate with local supply chain, customer service, and hospital delivery teams to resolve inventory discrepancies efficiently.

Why Join the Company

At Smith+Nephew, employees work under the empowering culture of Care, Collaboration, and Courage to help patients achieve a 'Life Unlimited.' You will gain hands-on training, customized team mentorship, and accelerated operational exposure within the high-growth medical device sector. The company provides competitive employee wellness packages, inclusive work practices supporting employment equity, flexible leave arrangements, and substantial opportunities for career progression across global supply chain networks.

Application Strategy (Exclusive)

• Emphasize Logistics & ERP Aptitude: Clearly showcase academic coursework or practical exposure related to supply chain principles, warehouse management, inventory auditing, or systems like SAP.

• Highlight Uncompromising Accuracy: Orthopedic and medical loan sets demand zero errors; emphasize past roles, projects, or lab work where meticulous attention to detail and quality compliance were strictly practiced.

• Demonstrate Process Ownership: Articulate how you proactively solve logistical bottlenecks, coordinate reverse logistics, or manage time-sensitive delivery turnaround times.

Interview Preparation

Candidates shortlisted for this graduate role should expect behavioral and technical situational questions, such as:

• "How would you handle a high-pressure scenario where a surgical loan set returned from a hospital is missing critical instruments right before another scheduled surgery?"

• "What steps do you take when tracking inventory levels to ensure safety stock is never compromised?"

You can effectively practice answering these situational scenarios and refine your communication skills using the interactive YouthNextStep Interview Simulator.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the minimum criteria should ensure their CV reflects their qualifications and inventory passion. Please quote Reference: R92859 on your documentation. Please apply using the Quick Apply button on this page or through the official corporate portal.

Salary is estimated based on market research.

• Valid National Senior Certificate (Matric / Grade 12).

• Tertiary Degree or National Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations, or related field.

• Demonstrated understanding of inventory control, safety stock parameters, and reverse logistics.

• High attention to detail, tactile dexterity, and dedication to medical equipment hygiene standards.

• Strong computer literacy and capability to learn enterprise tracking and inventory management software quickly.

• Valid South African identification and eligibility to work in Cape Town.