FERNANDO ORTIZ
Salinas,CA
Summary
Seasoned Food Safety and H2A Director with a proven track record at GBT HARVESTING LLC, specializing in strategic planning and relationship building. Excelled in implementing safety protocols, coordinating audits, and enhancing employee welfare. Skilled in verbal communication and decision-making, significantly improving compliance and operational efficiency. Experienced with strategic planning and project management. Utilizes leadership skills to drive team performance and operational excellence. Track record of delivering high-impact results through innovative problem-solving and effective communication. Professional with robust background in directing and managing large-scale operations, consistently driving success through strategic planning and execution. Adept at implementing innovative solutions that enhance productivity and operational effectiveness. Known for fostering teamwork and adapting to evolving business needs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Food Safety Director
GBT HARVESTING LLC.
12.2023 - Current
- Increased employee awareness on food safety practices by conducting regular training sessions and workshops.
- Managed costumer relationships effectively, evaluating their performance based on predefined criteria related to food safety standards.
- Reduced foodborne illness incidents through thorough investigation of consumer complaints and prompt corrective actions.
- Increased company-wide commitment to food safety culture by fostering an environment that prioritized open dialogue around improvements and challenges faced in this area.
- Cultivated and maintained customer-focused mindset that acknowledged importance and value of food safety for customers.
- Identified non-conforming food products and led decision-making process for disposition based on risk to food safety and quality.
- Created safe and healthy work environment throughout operations, adhered to safety policies and procedures and drove safe work behaviors in leadership and front line staff.
- Mandated compliance to regulatory, customer and corporate standards and led and participated in food safety audits.
- Adapted to shifting priorities and aligned food safety activities to meet organizational goals.
- Streamlined audit processes by creating detailed checklists for inspections, leading to consistent evaluations across the board.
- Conducted regular facility inspections to identify potential hazards, resulting in swift implementation of corrective measures.
- Achieved a high level of customer satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly and providing accurate information regarding product quality and safety measures in place.
- Strengthened internal communication channels to facilitate timely reporting of any potential risks or issues related to food safety within the organization.
- Optimized operational efficiency by reviewing current procedures and implementing changes where necessary for improved food safety results.
- Ensured proper documentation of all activities related to food safety management systems, facilitating smooth audits from external regulatory bodies as needed.
- Communicated and negotiated with ingredient suppliers and vendors to order new ingredients.
- Performed regular inspections of production lines to guarantee sanitary environment.
- Taken and sent water samples to clients and maintaining records.
Safety Director
GBT HARVESTING LLC.
12.2023 - Current
- Mentored junior staff members on proper techniques for hazard identification, risk assessment, and incident reporting procedures.
- Provided guidance to department supervisors regarding best practices for maintaining safe work environments tailored to their specific needs.
- Cultivated strong relationships with external vendors and suppliers, ensuring that all equipment and materials used within the organization met established safety standards.
- Implemented risk assessment protocols for facility inspections, resulting in the identification of potential hazards before they became incidents.
- Reduced accident rates by ensuring strict adherence to safety regulations and guidelines.
- Conducted thorough investigations into workplace accidents, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Improved workplace safety by implementing comprehensive training programs and conducting regular audits.
- Trained and certified tractor and machine operator employees in assessment procedures and safety behaviors.
- Managed emergency response teams during crisis situations, ensuring timely and efficient resolutions with minimal disruption to operations.
- Collaborated with operations management to keep equipment in good working order, replace worn items and plan updates.
- Responded to any emergencies as instructed and with utmost efficiency.
- Inspected worksites, practices, and gear for compliance with established safety standards.
- Conducted safety training and education to employees to increase awareness of safety hazards and empower employees to work safely.
- Recognized, documented, and advised on removal of hazards.
- Developed and implemented safety policies and procedures to establish clear guidelines for safe work practices and comply with regulations.
- Educated employees on hazardous waste management, emergency response and safe work practices.
H2A COORDINATOR
GBT HARVESTING LLC.
12.2023 - Current
- Assisted in H2a recruitment efforts by coordinating interviews and managing onboarding activities for new hires.
- Completed and uploaded DS-160 forms for all H2A hires.
- Supervised and coordinated arrival of H2A employees.
- Coordinated and represented H2A during process at US consulate and transition at CBP Port of entry.
- Collaborated and received inspections from AZDES, EDD and DOL for housing regulations and requirements.
- Coordinate appointments and transportation at SSA For H2A Employees.
- Improved project outcomes with meticulous attention to detail in planning phases, ensuring all requirements were met ahead of deadlines.
- Prioritized and managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring all met their deadlines and objectives without compromising quality.
- Interceded between employees during arguments and diffused tense situations.
Food Safety and Safety Coordinator
PGM PACKING INC.
07.2021 - 11.2023
- Inspected worksites, practices, and gear for compliance with established safety standards.
- Recognized, documented, and advised on removal of hazards.
- Provided ongoing support and resources to supervisors in managing safety performance within their departments, fostering a culture of accountability among leadership.
- Gathered information, prepared reports, and drafted correspondence related to cases.
- Coordinated and assisted in 3rd party audits.
- Investigated accidents and hazardous incidents to determine cause and made recommendations for corrective action.
- Evaluated incident reports, determining root causes and implementing preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
- Created an open line of communication between employees and management regarding safety concerns, fostering a collaborative approach to problem solving.
- Designed programs, policies, and procedures that were implemented to reduce or eliminate workplace injuries and hazards.
- Coordinated with HR to develop a robust return-to-work program for employees who had been out on injury leave, ensuring a smooth and safe reintegration into their roles.
- Responded to any emergencies as instructed and with utmost efficiency.
- Trained employees on food safety policies.
- Updated and maintained records on food safety manual such as creations of sops.
Education
High School Diploma -
Everett Alvarez High School
Salinas, CA05-2015
Skills
- Cross-contamination prevention
- Traceability procedures
- Sanitation management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Regulatory compliance
- Cleaning protocols
- Personal hygiene enforcement
- Reliability
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Food Safety Director
GBT HARVESTING LLC.
12.2023 - Current
Safety Director
GBT HARVESTING LLC.
12.2023 - Current
H2A COORDINATOR
GBT HARVESTING LLC.
12.2023 - Current
Food Safety and Safety Coordinator
PGM PACKING INC.
07.2021 - 11.2023
High School Diploma -
Everett Alvarez High School
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