Richard Estrada
El Paso,TX
Summary
Strategic, high-impact leader with extensive experience driving operational excellence, enterprise risk management, and workforce performance in fast-paced, high-accountability environments. Recognized for exceptional communication, influence, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to align people, processes, and strategy to deliver measurable results.
Holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, providing a strong foundation in change management, strategic decision-making, ethical leadership, organizational development, and performance optimization. Applies advanced leadership principles to build high-performing teams, strengthen accountability, and guide organizations through complex operational and cultural change.
Proven expertise in risk management, safety, and human capital operations, including employment practices, labor relations, compensation, benefits administration, and training and development. Adept at designing and executing strategic initiatives that reduce risk exposure, strengthen compliance, and enhance organizational performance.
Demonstrated success leading cultural transformation through collaboration, accountability, and disciplined execution. A results-driven Risk Manager who takes initiative, delivers end-to-end solutions, and creates sustained enterprise value while maintaining strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
Work History
Site- Safety Manager
PRIDE Industries
El Paso, TX
04.2022 - Current
- Lead site-wide safety, health, and environmental programs to ensure compliance with OSHA, company, and contractual requirements.
- Conduct workplace inspections and hazard assessments to identify risks and implement corrective actions.
- Develop and deliver safety training programs covering safe work practices, ergonomics, PPE, and environmental compliance.
- Supervise and support employees through hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and corrective actions.
- Create, review, and maintain Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) to ensure hazards are accurately identified and controlled.
- Lead accident, injury, and near-miss investigations using root-cause analysis to prevent recurrence.
- Partner with customers and internal stakeholders to resolve safety issues impacting contract performance.
- Maintain safety records, analyze incident trends, and prepare reports for senior leadership.
- Coordinate medical response and post-incident care, including transporting injured employees and supporting return-to-work processes.
- Serve as a safety leader and technical advisor to managers and supervisors to achieve safety performance goals.
- Developed and implemented safety training programs for diverse teams.
Risk Manager
Otero County Processing Center
Chaparral, NM
11.2021 - 03.2022
- Led risk identification and loss-control programs to reduce organizational exposure related to workers’ compensation and general liability claims.
- Identified, evaluated, and managed hazardous materials across facilities, ensuring proper handling, storage, and disposal in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Conducted audits and evaluations of workplace environments, equipment, and operational practices to ensure compliance with safety standards and government regulations.
- Developed and delivered safety and risk-awareness training for new employees to reduce incidents through proper behaviors and procedural compliance.
- Analyzed work methods, processes, and materials to identify risk exposures and recommended controls to protect employees and limit liability.
- Developed and maintained industrial hygiene and exposure-control programs, including noise surveys, atmospheric monitoring, and hazardous material management plans.
Senior Training & Operations Manager
U.S Army, Maneuver Center of Excellence
Fort Benning, GA
09.2019 - 04.2021
- Served in Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) 11B / 11C, providing subject-matter expertise and advisory support to executive leadership on operational readiness, weapons systems, and tactical training programs.
- Acted as a senior liaison responsible for coordinating and delivering technical training for more than 30,000 Initial Entry Training (IET), international, and reclassification personnel annually; developed, maintained, and updated formal course curricula and training materials.
- Maintained accountability and control of organizational equipment valued in excess of $13 million, ensuring proper use, inventory accuracy, and regulatory compliance.
- Led, supervised, and supported a workforce of 60+ personnel, ensuring employee health, welfare, performance, and professional development.
- Served as the primary recruiter for the organization, conducting candidate interviews, reviewing resumes, and providing hiring recommendations to management based on qualifications and organizational needs.
- Managed employee benefits administration in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, serving as the primary point of contact for benefits-related inquiries.
- Functioned as the principal liaison between the organization and external benefits providers to ensure effective communication, issue resolution, and continuity of services.Manages site performance management and professional development programs to ensure fair and consistent professional development opportunities and fair and consistent performance evaluations.
Senior Operations Manager
US Army
Fort Bliss, TX
02.2016 - 06.2019
- Directed daily operations for an organization of 135 employees, ensuring operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and workforce accountability.
- Provided continuous leadership, supervision, and professional development to staff, driving strong performance outcomes and sustained organizational effectiveness.
- Served as the primary liaison to the Director on all matters related to employee relations, performance management, and workforce issues.
- Established, enforced, and monitored organizational standards, policies, and personnel accountability across all operational areas.
- Ensured compliance with applicable regulations and organizational requirements by monitoring performance and enforcing maintenance and operational standards.
- Conducted strategic analysis and provided leadership recommendations supporting the implementation and execution of organizational and stakeholder priorities.
- Contributed to the development and oversight of an annual operating budget exceeding $10 million, supporting effective allocation of financial resources.
- Played a key role in restructuring the organization’s operational framework to better align human and material resources with mission and performance objectives.
- Assisted in developing incident notification and reporting procedures to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent information flow across the organization.
- Participated in hiring and talent management boards, including resume review, interviews, and selection recommendations to support long-term strategic goals.
Senior Department Supervisor
U.S Army
Fort Polk, LA
04.2013 - 02.2016
- Served as the principal developer and strategic advisor to the Operations Manager in establishing organizational priorities, goals, and execution plans.
- Functioned as Senior Department Supervisor, providing leadership in management, training, workforce development, and performance accountability.
- Directed and oversaw all administrative, maintenance, and logistical operations to ensure operational continuity and efficiency.
- Ensured employee training and compliance with all equal employment opportunity (EEO) and sexual harassment prevention policies and requirements.
- Maintained accountability and control of organizational property and equipment valued at over $15 million, ensuring proper stewardship and audit readiness.
- Sustained a 90% operational readiness rate through hands-on engagement in vehicle, equipment, and resource maintenance programs.
- Built and maintained high-performing teams over an eight-year period through structured team-building initiatives and leadership development practices.
- Developed and managed a comprehensive Talent Management Program to strengthen departmental performance and support employee growth and career progression.
Education
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV02.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resource Management
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV02.2021
Associate of Science - Public Health
American Public University System
Charles Town, WV01.2020
High School Diploma -
El Paso High School
El Paso, TX05.1997
Skills
- Risk Mitigation
- Job Analysis
- Training Program Development
- Multitasking
- Microsoft Office
- Team management
- Staff development
- CRM
- Supervision
- Risk Analysis
- Risk Management
- Investigative Skills
- Compliance Reporting
- Conducting Investigations
- Workplace Hazard Mitigation
- Hazard Identification
- Accident Reviewing
Languages
References
Derek Clifton,Command Sergeant Major (Ret), US Army, (808)-28-8725
Adrian Acevedo, Major, US Army, (708) 257-8542
William Shomaker, 1SG (Ret), US Army, &762) 822-0982
Certification
OSHA #510 OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry
Timeline
Site- Safety Manager
PRIDE Industries
04.2022 - Current
Risk Manager
Otero County Processing Center
11.2021 - 03.2022
Senior Training & Operations Manager
U.S Army, Maneuver Center of Excellence
09.2019 - 04.2021
Senior Operations Manager
US Army
02.2016 - 06.2019
Senior Department Supervisor
U.S Army
04.2013 - 02.2016
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
American Public University System
Bachelor of Arts - Human Resource Management
American Public University System
Associate of Science - Public Health
American Public University System
High School Diploma -
El Paso High School