Roman Ochoa
Yakima,WA
Summary
Dynamic Region Manager with a proven track record at Manulife Investment Management and Pride Packing Company adept in overseeing vast agricultural operations and leading a diverse team of over 600 employees. Excelled in implementing cost-saving strategies and enhancing productivity through innovative farming techniques. Skilled in budget management and team building, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and sustainability. Accomplished industry leader offering many years of management expertise including staff training and development, performance evaluation, and continuous improvement. Focused and efficient with proficiency in financial reporting and budget adherence. Demonstrated success in evaluating P&L to achieve targets.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Region Manager
Manulife Investment Management
Yakima, WA
12.2019 - 01.2025
- With the assistance of area managers and ranch managers, I supervised and monitored around 3,500 acres of different crops, including multiple apple and cherry varieties, with all of these farms located on the eastern side of Washington, including soil preparation, planting, fertilizing, harvesting, and post-harvest handling.
- Experience managing around 600 plus domestic and H-2A employees from May to November. During wintertime, we only worked with domestic employees on a smaller scale.
- Conducted regular inspections of fields to identify pests or diseases, weeds or other problems that could affect crop yields.
- Analyzed data from experiments conducted in the field to determine which farming strategies are most effective for a given season or region.
- Implemented measures to protect crops from extreme weather conditions, such as hailstorms, high winds, frost protection, and extreme heat.
- Collaborated with agronomists to develop nutrient management plans that optimize soil health while minimizing environmental impacts.
- Identified opportunities for cost savings through improved efficiency in labor management and resource utilization, with the goal of farming within our budgets.
- Maintained accurate records of crop production activities, such as chemical applications, fertilizer applications, irrigation schedules, and weather conditions.
- Evaluated potential risks associated with chemical inputs used in growing operations and established safety protocols accordingly.
- Familiar with Global GAP and sustainability programs.
- Coordinated with suppliers regarding timely orders and delivery of new trees for planting, trellis supplies, irrigation supplies, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other necessary materials for successful crop production.
- Assisted with the installation and maintenance of automated irrigation systems for efficient water use in large-scale agricultural operations.
- Reviewed employee performance and provided ongoing feedback and coaching to drive performance improvement.
Ranch-Area Manager of Operations
Pride Packing Company
Wapato, WA
11.1990 - 02.2016
- Managed around 1,000 acres of different apple, cherry, peach, nectarine, and apricot varieties.
- Developed a great amount of acres of tree fruits, including soil preparation, soil fumigation, tree planting, irrigation systems installation, trellis systems, etc.
- Maintained a safe working environment by adhering to safety regulations and procedures.
- Created reports outlining operational performance metrics for senior management review.
- Collaborated with other managers to develop plans for new initiatives and projects.
- Trained staff on new procedures or processes related to their job functions.
- Coordinated training programs for newly hired staff members, providing them with the necessary skills needed for success in their roles.
- Managed operational activities of multiple ranches, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Recruited and trained employees to enable adherence to common standards and procedures.
- Verified adherence to OSHA and internal safety standards to minimize risks and enhance workplace safety.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and organizational policies.
- Educated employees on corporate policy and procedure compliance to facilitate improved operations outcomes.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
Education
GED -
YVCC
Yakima, WA11-2005
Skills
- Team building
- Teamwork
- Decision-making
- Communication skills
- Bilingual English, Spanish
- Administration and reporting
- Cost reduction
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Performance tracking and evaluation
- Goal setting
- Computer skills
- Talent acquisition
- Budget management
- Continuous improvement
- Positive attitude
Certification
- Bilingual in Spanish and English.
- Commercial and private applicator pesticide license.
Custom
- My goal is to used my 30 plus years of experience working in agriculture; taking advantage of all the experience gained from all the transitional changes in this industry, for example: the inclusion of technology, planting on new trellis systems for future automated apple harvest, developing new high density plantings for production purposes, experiencing new apple and cherry varieties.
- I want to keep using my experience on implementing a great work culture, culture where we can build trust, build great responsible teams where employees can engage and take ownership on their roles.
Timeline
Region Manager
Manulife Investment Management
12.2019 - 01.2025
Ranch-Area Manager of Operations
Pride Packing Company
11.1990 - 02.2016
- Bilingual in Spanish and English.
- Commercial and private applicator pesticide license.
GED -
YVCC
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