Juan De La Querra

My background lies in spearheading staff throughout all facets of diagnostic and mechanical services and support while communicating effectively and thoroughly with customers to win repeat business and stimulate business growth. Having refined and targeted my skills in providing estimates, conducting customer follow-ups, and ensuring smooth departmental operations, I now stand prepared to dynamically benefit your team. I am confident that I can make a substantial impact on your team's success and give back the experience I have gained thru my 25 years plus in the Automotive industry.

Project manager at AMS (2026-08 – Present)

• Responsible for the long-term planning within the UNSOS Fleet Maintenance project.
• To create initiatives to further Company Goals.
• Assessment and analysis of departmental budgets.
• Liaison with UNSOS and UK Military stakeholders to maximize production Output.
• Management of Fleet Maintenance to ensure mission success within Mogadishu and Sectors
• Developed and implemented project plans, milestones, and schedules to ensure timely completion of fleet maintenance operations.
• Monitored project progress through regular reporting and performance metrics to identify and mitigate risks.
• Managed budgeting, resource allocation, and procurement to support fleet maintenance and operational readiness.

Operations Manager at AMS (2024-10 – 2026-07)

• Responsible for the long-term planning within the UNSOS Fleet Maintenance project.
• To create initiatives to further Company Goals.
• Assessment and analysis of departmental budgets.
• Liaison with UNSOS and UK Military stakeholders to maximize production Output.
• Management of Fleet Maintenance to ensure mission success within Mogadishu and Sectors

National Workshop Manager at AMS (Automotive Management Services) (2022-01 – 2024-10)

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the national workshop, ensuring adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Develops and implements maintenance schedules and procedures to maximize equipment longevity and minimize downtime.
• Coordinates with suppliers and vendors to manage inventory levels and procure necessary parts and materials efficiently.
• Leads and trains workshop personnel, fostering skill development and adherence to best practices in mechanical and fabrication work.
• Analyzes operational workflows and implements process improvements to enhance productivity and cost-effectiveness.
• Manages the workshop budget, including cost control, resource allocation, and financial reporting to senior management.
• Led strategic initiatives to optimize workshop layout and workflow, resulting in a 15% increase in overall productivity.

National Workshop Manager at AMS (2018-09 – 2020-01)

• Defines the resource requirements and work plan for the project, and manages the development and successful execution of project deliverables
• Develops effective, positive working relationships with clients and other stakeholders
• Ensures project deliverables are achieved in accordance with statutory, company, and contractual requirements
• Constantly monitors and reports on project progress and activities to all the relevant stakeholders.
• Liaises with current and potential customers, interpreting their needs and offers/presents suitable solutions
• Responsible for Workplace Health and Safety through the formulation of policies, procedures and overseeing practices
• Intervenes and implements corrective measures against any operational deviation or operational non-conformance item
• Ensures adequate utilization of computer hardware and software in accordance with company standards
• Compiles accurate Daily, Weekly and Monthly reports as required
• Responsible to manage the Project Budget
• Oversees, monitors and controls daily financial operations
• Maintains a balanced inventory
• Establishes parts inventory levels
• Monitors and adjusts inventory
• Analyzes monthly expenses and inventory levels
• Monitors and controls the execution of stock order procedures
• Establishes and maintains pricing parameters for suppliers
• Monitors and manages the purchasing of parts, supplies and materials
• Ensures that all purchases are properly accounted for
• Analyzes departmental operations and storage layout
• Actively seeks out new vendors, suppliers and manufactures
• Understands, keeps abreast of, and complies with federal, state, and local regulations

Manager @ My City Bus Depot Killarney at Grimm's Auto Shop t/a Atlantic Commercial Diesel Services (2018-01 – 2018-09)

• Manages and control the daily operations of workshop and repairs.
• Ensure compliance to manufacturing standards, company policies and contractual requirements.
• Keep abreast of most recent technical information and fault-finding methods and distributing of the information to key personnel.
• Managing and overseeing admin, processes and all bus (Volvo, Scania and Cummins) maintenance scheduling.
• Managing finance for quotes and invoicing to client.
• Managing all expenses, filing system and keeping high standards of repair quality to ensure customer's satisfaction is obtained always.
• Managing all performance reviews for admin and technical staff.

Workshop Manager at Automotive Management Services (A-M-S) (2012-07 – 2017-11)

• Manages and controls the daily operations of the relevant Workshops/Sites
• Ensure compliance to manufacturing standards, company policies and contractual requirements.
• Develops effective, positive working relationships with COR's.
• Mentoring Teams and Police Commanders.
• Responsible for Workplace Health and Safety.
• Intervenes and implements corrective measures against any operational deviation or operational non-conformance item to ensure and maintain operational efficiency and productivity.
• Keep abreast of most recent technical information and fault finding methods and distributing of the information to key personnel.
• Maintains a clean and orderly workshop to promote a safe working environment.
• Actively seeks out new vendors, suppliers and manufactures and negotiate terms and pricing for greater cost efficiency.
• Ensures that all the necessary approvals are obtained for all purchase orders.
• Analyzes departmental operations and storage layout and revise as needed.
• Ensures that all purchases are properly accounted for before payment is made.
• Inspects parts received from suppliers to detect substandard materials prior to utilization/installation.
• Ensures the optimization of human resources through the design and implementation of necessary processes and procedures to enhance efficiency.
• Coaches, Mentors, Motivates and Supervises staff.
• Ensures that all departments and individuals have adequate technical support and training to help achieve outstanding customer service and operational excellence.
• Monitors and ensures that all staff are well-supported and in a healthy condition.
• Reports to the Project Manager & Deputy Project Manager on the daily accomplishments and activities of the designated site and on any communication with the client.
• Be informed of all SMC's, FST's and Contact Teams' locations, work rates, work schedules and requests for additional support.
• Ensure that all staff are well-supported and regularly supervised on an individual and group level.
• Minimize fraud and deception ensuring that thorough and detailed communication is established with the relevant Manager at all times.
• Plan and forecast with regards to future operations.
• Carry out and perform all other work and/or instructions and/or requests as may be assigned from time to time.

Foreman at Barloworld Armstrong N1 City (2006-05 – 2012-07)

• Allocate work to technicians
• Quality control of work done
• Technical advice to technicians
• Dealing and consulting with customers on concerns.
• Confirm if job cards are filed in accurately.
• Pre-out inspect if work has been done correctly first time
• Assisting service adviser with technical information
• Update layout of workshop for maximum utilization.
• Compiling and maintaining lists of special tools in workshop
• Providing technicians with training to use AP dealer Network to their advantage on vehicle details

Technician at Barloworld Armstrong N1 City (2003-06 – 2006-04)

• Specialize in Ford and Mazda Products
• Service of all vehicles
• Repairs and diagnosing of problem vehicles
• Trouble shooting WDS (World Diagnostic System)
• Carrying out work on Recall Campaign Bulletins
• Carry out PDI's
• Skimming of vehicle discs
• Filling in job cards, clocking and warranty transfers (problem, cause and remedy)
• Problem solving with PDS
• Problem solving on Engine Management
• Overhaul of gearboxes and clutches
• All mechanical work with latest technology – Petrol and Diesel

Apprentice Handyman and Qualified Mechanic at UNICITY Cape Town (Oostenberg Municipality) (1994-06 – 2002-11)

• Servicing of all motor cars (all types)
• Servicing of all tractors
• Servicing of all loaders
• Servicing of all trucks
• Repairs to all motor cars (brakes, diffs, clutch)
• Ordering and purchasing of vehicle parts
• Handling of motor vehicle record cards
• Client liaison
• Admin duties

Assistant Plumber at Gellies Plumbing (1993-11 – 1994-06)

• Installment of geysers
• Replacing of water pipes
• Construction (exterior)
• Repair works
• Tiling

Precision Die Maker at Die Form (Cape Town) (1993-05 – 1993-11)

• Making of precision label dies for firms like Rotolabel and Printeck

Fitter and Turner at Franky Pile Engineering (Philippi) (1993-01 – 1993-04)

• Turning of bushes for earth moving equipment
• Fitting of bushes and rollers
• Machining hubs to correct size

Admin and management in Local Government Administration and Management – UNISA (University of South Africa) (2000-04 – 2000-05)

Apprentice in Automotive – Porters Auto Training College (Kuils River) (1999-02 – 2000-11)

Matric (NTC3) in General – Oudtshoorn Technical High School (1987 – 1992)