Regan Pearce

I am an experienced technical and manufacturing professional with more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive component manufacturing industry, including extensive exposure to technically demanding production environments supplying Mercedes-Benz and other leading automotive manufacturers. I progressed from Apprentice Machine Tool Setter and CNC Operator into senior technical and operational leadership roles, gaining strong hands-on experience with machinery, equipment, fault identification, preventative maintenance and maintaining optimal machine performance. I am a qualified Artisan Machine Tool Setter registered with MERSETA and holds an NQF Level 6 Diploma in Operations Management, supported by further training in CNC programming, Lean Transformation, Lean Management, problem solving, 7-Waste Management and environmental management.

My technical experience includes CNC machining, forging, injection moulding, machine inspections, preventative maintenance, equipment checks, production troubleshooting, quality control, SPC and SHE compliance, with a strong understanding of how equipment reliability directly impacts production efficiency and downtime. I am a hands-on, technically minded professional with strong problem-solving abilities on the shop floor level and managerial level assisting with 8D-REPORTS. Extensive experience working closely with maintenance, production and quality teams when testing new tools and PPAP preparations.

I led teams of up to 35 employees and is comfortable providing technical guidance, training and support in demanding manufacturing environments. I am based in East London, has his own transport with a PDP, I am willing to relocate and available immediately.

Production Shift Superintendent- Injection Moulding - Weidplas-Techniplas

(2025-07 - 2025-11)

Industry: Automotive (30 direct staff – Supervisors, Quality, Setters, Techs, etc) Reason for leaving: Salary couldn’t support myself in PE and family in East London

• Managed shift production activities to achieve and maintain daily production targets and operational requirements.
• Ensured adherence to work instructions, process specifications and standard operating procedures.
• Monitored production processes and equipment performance to identify and resolve operational issues.
• Supported tool manufacturing and production requirements.
• Applied effective problem-solving and decision-making to minimise disruptions and maintain production flow.
• Maintained discipline, accountability and operational standards across the shift.
• Ensured compliance with all applicable Health & Safety requirements and company standards.
• Maintained and continuously improved product quality standards throughout the production process.
• Ensured accurate completion and monitoring of quality check sheets and production documentation.
• Provided quality-related training and guidance to production employees.
• Implemented and monitored SPC (Statistical Process Control) practices to maintain process stability and product quality.
• Ensured compliance with company SHE policies, procedures and applicable legislative requirements.
• Promoted a safe working environment through ongoing monitoring, communication and employee awareness.
• Provided leadership, support and guidance to production employees across the shift.
• Identified training and development needs and supported the implementation of appropriate training programmes.
• Trained employees on new products and processes, ensuring a practical understanding of product and production requirements.
• Supported employees with career development and career pathing.
• Conducted regular one-on-one meetings to address performance concerns, employee challenges and workplace issues.
• Promoted employee engagement, wellness, accountability and continuous development.
• Maintained 5S housekeeping standards across the production environment.
• Ensured machines and equipment were maintained in accordance with preventative maintenance requirements.
• Conducted and monitored routine preventative maintenance (PM) checks to support equipment reliability and minimise downtime.
• Ensured production activities aligned with customer requirements and quality expectations.
• Maintained a strong customer-focused approach throughout the production process.
• Supported the achievement of delivery deadlines and production schedules.
• Contributed to building and maintaining positive customer relationships.
• Facilitated effective daily communication between production and other departments.
• Maintained clear and consistent communication with shop-floor teams regarding production priorities, performance and operational requirements.
• Coordinated team efforts to achieve departmental and production objectives.
• Encouraged employee involvement and ownership in achieving team goals.
• Led by example and demonstrated commitment to team and organisational objectives.
• Conducted monthly team performance reviews and monitored progress against departmental goals.

Plant shift leader-Forge Press machines team Lead - Foxtec Ikhwezi

(2007-07 - 2025-04)

Industry: Automotive (35 direct reporting staff – Warehouse, Maintenance, Quality etc) Reason for leaving: Retrenched

• Led plant shift operations across the Forging, CNC Machining and Quality Inspection departments, ensuring production targets, quality standards and delivery requirements were consistently achieved.
• Managed production activities and ensured adherence to work instructions, process specifications, safety standards and company procedures.
• Monitored production performance and implemented effective problem-solving and decision-making to resolve operational challenges.
• Ensured compliance with Health, Safety and Environmental requirements and applicable company and legislative standards.
• Maintained and improved product quality through quality checks, SPC monitoring, quality documentation and employee training.
• Provided leadership, coaching and support to production teams, with a strong focus on skills development and multi-skilling.
• Trained employees on new products, processes and production requirements.
• Supported employee development through career pathing, performance management and ongoing coaching.
• Conducted one-on-one meetings to address performance concerns, employee challenges and workplace issues.
• Maintained 5S and housekeeping standards across the plant.
• Supported MDW (Mission Directed Work Teams) and promoted employee involvement and accountability.
• Monitored preventative maintenance activities and machine checks to support equipment reliability and production continuity.
• Ensured customer requirements were met through effective production planning, quality control and adherence to delivery deadlines.
• Facilitated effective communication between production, quality, maintenance and other departments.
• Conducted and participated in team performance reviews and monitored progress against departmental objectives.
• Built and developed high-performing teams through strong leadership, training and employee engagement.

Apprentice Machine Tool setter-CNC operator-Team Leader - Schrader Automotive, East London - East London

(1999 - 2007)

Industry: Automotive Reason for leaving: Headhunted

• Operated CNC and production machinery in accordance with production and quality requirements.
• Conducted daily machine inspections and preventative maintenance checks.
• Performed production quality checks to ensure products met required specifications.
• Reported production and machine-related issues to the Shift Manager.
• Conducted end-of-shift handover meetings to communicate production status, issues and outstanding requirements.
• Progressed through the organisation from Apprentice Machine Tool Setter to CNC Operator and Team Leader

Diploma - Operations Management NQF6 - PMI - Production management institute (2022)

NQF6 - Lean Transformation - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (2013)

Machine Tool Setter Certificate - MERSETA (2002)

Matric - Alphendale Technical High School (1994)