Erik Ocanas

Manager with extensive experience in the food processing industry operations, skilled in leading, organizing, planning, and managing operational areas (receiving, production, warehousing, inventory, packaging, and shipping). Recognized for strategic leadership, continuous improvement initiatives, and driving sustainable operational results. Creating a successful teamwork environment, with the support of all departments.

With a focus on employee safety, productivity, quality, and food safety, to meet the expectations of both our customers and the company.

Plant Manager at RIO GRANDE JUICE Co. a WODERFUL CITRUS Co. (2019-11 – 2026-08)

• Led daily plant operations, ensuring productivity, efficiency, and adherence to food safety and regulatory requirements.
• Managed production planning and scheduling to meet customer demand while minimizing downtime and waste.
• Implemented process improvements and Lean/Six Sigma practices that increased throughput and reduced operational costs.
• Oversaw quality assurance programs, internal audits, and certification processes to maintain compliance with industry standards.
• Directed cross-functional teams across production, maintenance, and quality, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Strengthened safety performance through training, risk assessments, and proactive incident-prevention strategies.
• Coordinated raw material planning, inventory control, and supplier performance to ensure uninterrupted production flow.
• Managed preventive maintenance programs and partnered with engineering teams to enhance equipment reliability and OEE.
• Controlled plant budgets, monitored KPIs, and identified cost-saving opportunities through data-driven decision-making.
• Develop projects to improve operations and analyze ROI.
• Implement Oracle and WMS for the operation.

Production Supervisor at TCX – RIO GRANDE JUICE COMPANY (2006-11 – 2019-11)

• Supervised daily production operations, ensuring compliance with food safety, sanitation, and quality standards.
• Led and coached production teams to meet output goals, reduce downtime, and improve overall efficiency.
• Monitored critical control points and implemented corrective actions to maintain product integrity.
• Optimized workflows by identifying bottlenecks, reducing waste, and improving line performance.
• Coordinated with QA, Maintenance, and Logistics to ensure smooth and continuous operations.
• Enforced safety policies and conducted incident investigations to strengthen safety culture.
• Managed raw material and packaging inventory, preventing shortages and minimizing costs.
• Supported Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity.

Plant Manager at AVOMEX, Mexico (2001-04 – 2006-02)

Production Manager at ICMOSA, Mexico (1995-11 – 2001-04)

• Directed and coordinated daily production activities, ensuring efficient workflows and adherence to food safety and quality standards.
• Developed and executed master production schedules, balancing inventory levels with demand forecasts.
• Led, mentored, and developed production teams—including supervisors and hourly staff.
• Implemented and enforced SOPs across production, packaging, labeling, and quality control. consistency and reducing operational errors.
• Drove continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and waste-reduction strategies to enhance yield, reduce costs, and improve OEE.
• Managed departmental budgets, labor planning, and material usage, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
• Collaborated with QA, Maintenance, Supply Chain, to resolve issues, improve processes.
• Monitored and reported key KPIs such as production volume, on time delivery, cost per unit, labor variance, and waste reduction metrics.
• Led root-cause investigations for non-conformances, safety incidents, and quality deviations, implementing corrective and preventive actions.

BD in Business and Administration – Universidad de Montemorelos