Ashley Nagessar

Results-driven Operations, Engineering, and Quality Management professional with over 15 years of experience across manufacturing, R&D, laboratory operations, quality systems, and project management within large-scale industrial environments. Proven track record in operational leadership, process optimization, ISO compliance, Lean Manufacturing, and cross-functional project execution. Experienced in managing factory operations, capital expenditure, quality systems, engineering change processes, and continuous improvement initiatives that have delivered multi-million-rand savings and operational efficiencies.

Strong background in leading multidisciplinary teams, implementing SOPs, driving regulatory compliance, and improving manufacturing performance through data-driven decision-making. Recognized for delivering high-impact projects, establishing accredited laboratory systems, improving energy efficiency products, and leading operational transformation initiatives in global manufacturing environments.

Operations & Admin Manager - Hard Cover Factory

(2023-01)

• Lead operational and administrative functions to ensure alignment with business objectives and performance targets.
• Manage operational and capital expenditure budgets while driving cost optimization and return on investment.
• Maintain compliance with SABS, ASIB, ISO, and other regulatory standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, process efficiency, lead time reduction, quality enhancement, and KPI performance.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving initiatives using DOE, FMEA, 8D, and 5-Why methodologies.
• Develop and implement operational SOPs and systems to improve workflow efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee multiple operational areas including: Raw Materials Stores, Engineering Stores, Quality Management, HSSE, Import Warehouse, WIP & Stock Control, Asset Management, Lean Management Systems, Recruitment & Manpower Planning.
• Produce and present monthly operational reports to management.
• Lead high-profile operational and strategic projects from concept to implementation.
• Successfully contributed to ISO 9001:2015 certification achievement after a 10-year gap.
• Led projects resulting in headcount optimization and annual savings of approximately R5 million.
• Received General Manager's Award, Best Stock Management Award, and Best Customer Service Award.
• Successfully supported factory relocation using Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Established and developed a Quality Department from the ground up.
• Appointed as Acting 16.2 under CEO delegation.

Project Specialist / R&D Interim Manager - Hard Cover Factory

(2023-01)

• Managed engineering change processes, technical drawings, and prototype development activities.
• Chaired ECN processes and ensured timely execution of engineering projects and ISIR reporting.
• Oversaw R&D model shop and laboratory operations supporting validation testing and product development.
• Managed daily operational activities and chaired production and management meetings.
• Collaborated with local and international cross-functional teams on engineering and product initiatives.
• Designed and implemented laboratory Quality Management Systems to meet international compliance requirements.
• Ensured products met current regulatory, safety, and industry standards throughout the product lifecycle.
• Led initiatives focused on quality improvement, cost reduction, component standardization, and process simplification.
• Planned, installed, and commissioned a thermodynamic laboratory test chamber.
• Contributed to establishing the first UL EMEA-accredited Energy Laboratory on the African continent.
• Successfully delivered multiple high-level projects generating substantial cost savings.
• Completed international collaboration projects across European operations.
• Led Energy Harmonization Project from concept to implementation, achieving approximately R10 million in savings.
• Improved cooling systems and product energy efficiency for chest freezer product ranges.

Interim Caretaker Supervisor – R&D Department - Hard Cover Factory

(2018-01 - 2020-12)

• Coordinated departmental functions to ensure smooth operational performance.
• Directed departmental activities in alignment with strategic business goals.
• Managed departmental operational and capital expenditure budgets.
• Collaborated across departments to deliver end-to-end operational solutions.
• Oversaw project execution to ensure successful implementation within timelines.
• Managed marketing requirement integration into project deliverables.
• Supervised the development and distribution of Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Managed financial reporting processes to support budgeting and strategic decisions.

Laboratory Technician - Hard Cover Factory

(2010-01 - 2016-12)

• Managed laboratory testing, calibration, safety audits, and 5S implementation.
• Conducted benchmarking and prototype testing to support product development.
• Installed and configured laboratory data acquisition software integrated with Whirlpool Global Labs.
• Maintained laboratory operational standards and compliance requirements.

Sealed System Specialist – Production & Quality - Hard Cover Factory

(2010-01 - 2022-12)

• Investigated product and component failures to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Conducted Root Cause Analysis audits to improve product quality and manufacturing performance.
• Led problem-solving activities across production and quality teams.
• Drove continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction and process optimization.
• Assisted in establishing quick-time testing facilities for production parameter validation.

Project Management

Dyna BMS Management

Introduction to Systems Engineering

ISO/IEC 17025 Certification

ISO 9001 QMS Internal Auditor

PDCA Methodology

Lean Management

Lead Quality Management

Legal Liability Training

CorelDRAW