Herman Eksteen
Motor Mechanic & Driver
Hoedspruit
Summary
Results-driven Mechanical Workshop Foreman experienced in leading maintenance teams and coordinating repair schedules. Achieved reduced downtime and improved operational readiness through effective preventive maintenance and quality control. Committed to fostering teamwork and supporting efficient maintenance delivery in fast-paced environments.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Mechanical Workshop Forman
South African Airforce
04.2019 - 04.2021
- Supervised workshop personnel, assigning maintenance tasks and monitoring quality standards.
- Inspected completed work to ensure compliance with safety and technical procedures.
- Coordinated daily workshop operations to maintain efficient repair and servicing schedules.
- Tracked tools, parts, and equipment to support uninterrupted maintenance activities.
- Enforced occupational health and safety requirements across workshop activities.
- Interpreted work orders and prioritized tasks according to operational demands.
- Supported technicians with technical guidance and problem-solving during repairs.
- Mentored junior technicians, providing guidance on best practices and fostering professional growth.
Garden & Maintenance Manager
South African Airforce
03.2013 - 03.2019
- Supervised maintenance personnel, assigning tasks and enforcing technical standards.
- Monitored compliance with safety regulations, maintenance procedures, and quality controls.
- Coordinated repair workflows, prioritizing urgent faults to restore operational readiness.
- Directed preventive maintenance schedules for aircraft support systems and base infrastructure.
- Managed spare parts inventory, tools, and critical equipment availability.
- Liaised with contractors and technical teams to resolve complex equipment failures.
- Improved maintenance planning to reduce downtime and strengthen asset reliability.
- Supervised employee performance, preventive maintenance, and safety.
- Collaborated with other department managers to coordinate maintenance activities around production schedules, minimizing operational interruptions.
- Increased overall equipment efficiency by conducting thorough assessments of machinery conditions and implementing necessary improvements.
Purchasing Assistant
South African Airforce
02.2002 - 03.2012
- Processed quotations, purchase orders, and delivery documentation with consistent accuracy.
- Liaised with suppliers to confirm pricing, availability, and lead times.
- Managed purchase requisitions, ensuring compliance with supply chain policies and delegation approvals.
- Monitored procurement status in LOGIS and resolved order discrepancies promptly.
- Coordinated goods receiving processes, matching deliveries to orders and supporting inventory control.
- Reconciled supplier invoices against purchase orders and delivery records for payment accuracy.
- Prepared purchase orders accurately and followed up with suppliers to confirm receipt and delivery schedules.
- Streamlined purchasing processes for increased efficiency and reduced procurement time.
- Collecting & Delivering Purchases for all units of the Airforce county wide trips with code 14 trucks
Vehicle Mechanic
South African Air Force
01.1981 - 01.2001
- Diagnosed mechanical faults on military vehicles using hand tools, gauges, and diagnostic equipment.
- Serviced engines, brakes, suspension, and transmission systems to maintain operational readiness.
- Inspected vehicles for roadworthiness, safety compliance, and serviceability before deployment.
- Repaired electrical, fuel, and cooling systems to restore reliable vehicle performance.
- Performed scheduled maintenance and component replacements according to workshop procedures.
- Performed maintenance on vehicle fuel systems for both diesel and unleaded fueled vehicles.
- Maintained vehicle trailers repairing battle damage and replacing worn parts.
- Recovering vehicles that had breakdowns all across the country..
Education
High School Diploma -
Rhodesfield High School
Kempton Park, South Africa 04.2001 -
No Degree - Machanical
Machanic School of Tech Traing Collage
South African Air Force 04.2001 -
Skills
Maintenance management
Maintenance planning
Machine troubleshooting
Planning and scheduling
Scheduling coordination
Site coordination
Daily reporting
Crew leadership
Teamwork and collaboration
Customer service
Customer relations
Attention to detail
Strong work ethic
Timeline
Mechanical Workshop Forman
South African Airforce
04.2019 - 04.2021
Garden & Maintenance Manager
South African Airforce
03.2013 - 03.2019
Purchasing Assistant
South African Airforce
02.2002 - 03.2012
No Degree - Machanical
Machanic School of Tech Traing Collage
04.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Rhodesfield High School
04.2001 -
Vehicle Mechanic
South African Air Force
01.1981 - 01.2001