Replace SOT-23 (5 pin) package in production with wire

You can buy zero Ohm links in a SOT23 package. Various connections are available, have a look at http://www.topline.tv/SOT_jumper.html

I've used a 0805 jumper for this exact purpose before. Angle is pretty arbitrary to a pick and place. It may take a little longer to place a component on a 45 than a right angle, but it can do it. During reflow, it's not much different than if it were a normal set of 0805 pads, the jumper will center up between them. It's not ideal for mass production, but it will work to get you through to a revision.

As an alternative to the better answer of a sot-23 zero-ohm link, depending on your needs, a sot-23 diode package or array may be better. It would maintain a reverse bias blocking effect like a regulator should. Different configurations exist, in single and dual or quad.