Operations Research Engineer

Bash.com; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Autonomy and ownership

Real growth opportunities

Top-of-market pay

Shopping perks

Job summary

Bash, South Africa's largest omnichannel shopping platform, is seeking an Operations Research Engineer to lead design and implementation of advanced models that optimise our logistics network. You will build algorithms and ML models to support decisions across our stores and fulfillment network.

You will own forecasting, allocation, simulation, and the evaluation of scenarios to keep costs low and service fast. Strong background in Python/R/SQL and multi-objective optimization is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field.
• Ph.D. preferred for advanced roles.
• Strong skills in statistical analysis and programming (Python, R, SQL), with a preference for machine learning expertise.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of advanced models to optimise the Bash logistics network.
• Develop algorithms and machine learning models to support decisions across domains.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses and scenario planning to ensure systems respond to changing inputs.
• Provide deep analytical insights to support network design, forecasting and allocation decisions.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Python

R

SQL

Machine learning

Supply chain analytics

Pricing elasticity

Multi-objective optimization

Linear programming

Data visualization

Model interpretation

End-to-end supply chain

Production deployment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Research/Industrial Engineering/Statistics/Applied Mathematics

Master’s degree in related field

Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Bash is South Africa's largest omnichannel shopping platform . We connect over 500 brands across the physical and digital world, for millions of South Africans, every day. We're building something with real scale and real consequence.

We're founder led, a team of true owners and humble learners. We work hard, hold a high bar, and show up for each other. The problems aren't easy and the pace is real but when you break through, the impact is felt across the business and by the customers who rely on us.

If that sounds like the kind of place where you'd do the best work of your career , we'd like to meet you.

Are you an operations research engineer ready to take on some of the most complex supply chain and commercial challenges in the country?

At Bash, we build the mathematical models that decide how thousands of orders move through the logistics network and what we do next for every customer.

In this pivotal role, you will lead the design and implementation of advanced models that optimise our rapidly scaling company. You'll be at the forefront of developing algorithms and machine learning models that support everything across domains at Bash, while conducting sensitivity analyses and scenario planning to ensure our systems respond dynamically to changing inputs.

We're not just fulfilling orders; we're building our own courier network, optimising allocation across 3,500 stores,continuously refining algorithms to deliver the lowest prices with the fastest turnaround times, and building a decision engine that chooses the next best action for every customer and every unit of stock. This is a playground for an engineer who thrives on solving complex, real-world problems and wants to make a tangible impact.

WHAT WE OWN

• Fulfillment Centre Allocation Algorithms: Own and develop these essential tools to optimise our network.
• Advanced Forecasting: Predict parcel counts, driver requirements, and store units with precision.
• Recommendation Engine: Recommend the right product to the right customer at the right time.
• Simulation Environment:Build out a simulation environment to test network design and algorithm changes.
• General Analytical Support: Provide deep analytical insights to support ongoing and future initiatives.

OPERATIONS RESEARCH ENGINEER EXPERIENCE

• 3-5 years’ in a similar role, ideally in a retail environment
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. Ph.D. preferred.
• Strong skills in statistical analysis and programming (Python, R, SQL), with a preference for machine learning expertise.
• Understanding of supply chain analytics, including areas like inventory management, transportation, and network optimization.
• Exposure to pricing, markdown, or elasticity modelling is a strong advantage.
• Proficiency in multi-objective optimisation and linear programming, adept at data visualisation (using tools like Seaborn or ggplot) and the ability to explain a model to someone who will not read the mathematics.
• Solid understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, including demand forecasting, inventory management, operations, logistics, and network design.
• A general understanding of what it entails to take a model into production.

This role is perfect for an operations research engineer who loves to build, tweak, and apply their expertise to complex mathematical problems.

If you're ready to take the lead in an environment where your work directly impacts millions of customers, Bash is the place to be.

We ask a few optional demographic questions to monitor fairness in hiring and comply with South Africa’s Employment Equity requirements. Your responses are confidential - stored separately from your application and never shown to hiring panels. We review the data only in aggregate to strengthen our sourcing so pipelines are diverse and all candidates receive equitable support. You can skip any question.

JOINING THE BASH TEAM

We believe in autonomy and self-driven individuals who thrive within some uncertainty so that they can fill those gaps with their uniqueness. The qualities that allow you to thrive are curiosity, proactivity and a bias to action. If you are these things, joining the Bash team will catapult your career and ensure you do the best work, pushing past your preconceived boundaries.

We don't believe in padding this section with things that sound good on paper. Here's what working at Bash actually looks like:

BASH PERKS

The people around you. We hire to a high standard, and you'll feel it. The talent at Bash will push your thinking, raise your game, and genuinely surprise you.

Real growth. A place that expands what you're capable of. You'll own more, stretch further, and build in ways a traditional corporate can't offer.

Top-of-market pay. The best people, in the right roles, earning at the top tier.

Time that's yours. We are flexible and don't measure time. We look at output.

Shopping perks. An exclusive discount across 500+ brands in-store and on bash.com .