ROMAN SOTO
Riverside
Summary
Operations leader with 20+ years of experience managing distribution centers, warehouse operations, transportation, inventory control, and manufacturing support functions. Proven record leading teams of up to 115 employees within a 194,000-square-foot distribution facility while improving productivity, safety, compliance, and customer service performance. Expertise in Lean operations, KPI management, SAP, DOT compliance, SCAQMD WAIRE reporting, SMARTS stormwater compliance, workforce development, and continuous improvement. Recognized for building high-performing teams, optimizing labor utilization, and delivering measurable operational results in fast-paced environments. Fluent in English and Spanish.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Manager
AUTOMANN USA INC.
Ontario, CA
01.2023 - Current
- Direct operations for a 194,000-square-foot distribution center with 115 employees across three shifts, ensuring achievement of productivity, safety, quality, inventory accuracy, and customer service goals.
- Improved picking and shipping efficiency by 18% through workflow redesign, labor optimization, and process improvement initiatives.
- Developed forecasting and labor-planning tools that improved workload visibility, staffing utilization, and KPI performance.
- Implemented productivity-tracking systems that enabled supervisors to monitor hourly performance, identify bottlenecks, and improve workforce efficiency.
- Established standardized operating procedures and work instructions that improved training effectiveness, consistency, and operational performance.
- Champion a safety-focused culture through coaching, observations, training programs, and employee accountability initiatives.
- Maintain compliance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) regulations through management and submission of WAIRE reports and ongoing operational compliance.
- Ensure compliance with California stormwater regulations through administration of reporting requirements using the Storm Water Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS).
- Partner with senior leadership to execute continuous improvement initiatives, workforce planning strategies, and operational excellence programs.
- Lead recruiting, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and employee development efforts to build high-performing teams.
Warehouse Manager
INDUSTRIAL METAL SUPPLY
Riverside, CA
01.2016 - 01.2023
- Managed warehouse operations for 45 employees across three shifts, consistently achieving productivity, quality, safety, and customer service objectives.
- Directed maintenance and repair activities for forklifts, cutting equipment, material handling machinery, and delivery vehicles to maximize uptime and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented training programs for warehouse associates, equipment operators, and trainers to improve productivity and safety performance.
- Created productivity-tracking tools that increased operational visibility, accountability, and performance management effectiveness.
- Analyzed workloads and strategically allocated labor resources to ensure on-time order fulfillment and next-day delivery commitments.
- Oversaw transportation operations, route optimization initiatives, and DOT compliance requirements.
- Managed warehouse expenses and contributed to annual budgeting and capital improvement projects.
- Participated in recruiting, onboarding, employee development, and performance management activities.
- Collaborated with leadership teams to identify operational opportunities and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
- Key Achievements
- Increased pulling department productivity by 70% through process redesign, workflow improvements, and labor optimization.
- Increased cutting department productivity by 40% through operational improvements and enhanced resource utilization.
- Successfully managed a high-volume, multi-shift distribution operation.
- Strengthened safety performance through structured training, coaching, and accountability programs.
Warehouse Supervisor
GLANBIA ASEPTIC SOLUTIONS USA
Corona, CA
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Supervised warehouse operations supporting manufacturing and distribution activities while maintaining compliance with company, regulatory, and food safety requirements.
- Utilized SAP to maintain inventory accuracy and support efficient warehouse operations.
- Monitored daily KPI performance and implemented corrective actions to achieve operational goals.
- Led shift startup meetings and communicated priorities to warehouse personnel and leadership teams.
- Coached, mentored, and developed employees to support business growth and succession planning.
- Ensured compliance with SOPs, GMPs, food safety standards, and audit requirements.
- Developed training materials and standard operating procedures that improved employee effectiveness and operational consistency.
- Collaborated with production, quality, and logistics teams to achieve plant-wide performance objectives.
- Managed raw material and finished goods inventories in cold and dry storage environments.
- Implemented contingency plans to address staffing shortages, equipment issues, and inventory discrepancies.
Route Coordinator
EMERALD LANDSCAPING SERVICES
Moreno Valley, CA
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Coordinated service routes, equipment allocation, and maintenance schedules for residential and commercial landscaping operations.
- Assisted with equipment repairs and resource planning to maximize crew productivity and service efficiency.
Co-Owner
MEDAL CONSTRUCTION
Riverside, CA
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Managed residential remodeling projects including plumbing, electrical, framing, drywall, cabinetry, windows, doors, and fixture installations.
- Coordinated project scheduling, customer communication, materials procurement, and quality control.
- Ensured projects were completed on schedule and in compliance with applicable building standards.
Warehouse Manager
EXECUTIVE PLUMBING HEATING & AIR
Corona, CA
01.2000 - 01.2008
- Managed warehouse operations, inventory control, purchasing support, and material distribution for residential construction projects.
- Maintained inventory accuracy and material availability to support field operations and project timelines.
- Processed vendor returns and coordinated invoice and purchase order reconciliations.
- Developed Excel-based inventory tracking systems and reporting tools that improved inventory visibility and control.
- Supervised warehouse personnel and ensured timely support of construction operations.
- Assisted with procurement activities and product research to ensure compliance with project specifications and construction codes.
Education
High School Diploma -
Skills
- Operations & Supply Chain Management
- Warehouse Operations
- Distribution Center Management
- Logistics & Transportation
- Inventory Control
- Supply Chain Operations
- Workforce Planning
- Strategic Planning
- Continuous Improvement
- Lean Operations
- Process Improvement
- Labor Optimization
- KPI Development & Reporting
- Productivity Improvement
- Operational Excellence
- Root Cause Analysis
- Compliance & Systems
- OSHA Compliance
- DOT Compliance
- Environmental Compliance
- SCAQMD WAIRE Program
- SMARTS Reporting
- Equipment Maintenance Management
- SAP
- Microsoft Excel
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Leadership
- Team Development
- Performance Management
- Employee Relations
- Training & Coaching
- Change Management
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Fluent in English and Spanish
- Authorized to work in the United States
- Open to Operations Manager, Warehouse Manager, Distribution Manager, Logistics Manager, and Supply Chain leadership opportunities
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Operations Manager
AUTOMANN USA INC.
01.2023 - Current
Warehouse Manager
INDUSTRIAL METAL SUPPLY
01.2016 - 01.2023
Warehouse Supervisor
GLANBIA ASEPTIC SOLUTIONS USA
01.2012 - 01.2016
Route Coordinator
EMERALD LANDSCAPING SERVICES
01.2011 - 01.2012
Co-Owner
MEDAL CONSTRUCTION
01.2008 - 01.2011
Warehouse Manager
EXECUTIVE PLUMBING HEATING & AIR
01.2000 - 01.2008