JACOB THARP
Surprise,AZ
Summary
Accomplished operations leader with a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency across diverse sectors. Ambitious, fast-paced, data-driven professional with extensive experience in steel processing centers and tier 1 automotive manufacturing. Committed to leveraging optimization and strategic skills to elevate operational performance and foster sustainable growth within a dynamic organization. Eager to contribute to a forward-thinking team that values innovation and excellence in operational practices.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Branch Manager -For Arizona
Nucor Rebar Fabrication
Phoenix, AZ
06.2024 - 11.2025
- Oversee all aspects of operations in Arizona's two facilities, including full P&L, safety, quality, production, staffing, maintenance, site placing, logistics, and inventory.
- Managed budget, cost, safety, production flow, auditing, KPI trends, reporting, and Capex.
- Manages team workloads to achieve company, team, and individual goal sets, while providing direction and guidance (coaching) to 8 or more direct employees, overseeing a total of 170 or more employees.
- Leadership – Lead by example through the company's core values, and collaboration through mentorship and the employee development program. Maintained moral and culture with trustworthy and honest practices using active listening, feedback, and follow-ups.
- Led team to achieve operational excellence through process improvements and staff training.
- Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and retention.
Vice President of Operations
Contractors Steel / Borrmann Metals / UPG
Surprise, AZ
07.2019 - 04.2024
- Oversee all aspects of operations in seven plants across five states, including full P&L, safety, quality, production, staffing, maintenance, logistics, and a $50+ million inventory.
- Implemented and streamlined processes that reduced operational costs while increasing all KPIs, gaining a greater GPS.
- Manage and champion the Lean MFG process and rollouts (Gemba walks, 5S standards, and Kaizens, continuous improvement).
- Manage budget, cost, safety, production flow, auditing, ISO 9001 processes, KPI trends, reporting, and Capex.
- Manages team workloads to achieve company, team, and individual goal sets, while providing direction and guidance (coaching) to more than 10 direct employees, overseeing a total of more than 275 employees.
- Leadership: Lead by example through the company's core values and collaboration. Annual mentorship and employee development program.
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance efficiency across multiple divisions.
Lead Supervisor/Process Coach
Ford Motor Company
Flat Rock, Michigan
03.2016 - 07.2019
- Overseen 220 body shop union employees and four sectional salary team members.
- Collaborated with several other departments daily (Engineering, Safety, Quality, Paint, and Final Assembly) to problem-solve and create fast, concrete solutions for daily concerns.
- Strengthened the company's business by leading the implementation of the Mustang/Lincoln launch and daily production targets.
- Trained, coached, and mentored salary and hourly union employees to ensure the smooth adoption of new programs, jobs, and processes in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceeded company objectives for safety, scrap, delivery, and quality. Received multiple awards for continuous improvement of Ford standards and goals.
- Increased profits and JPH by practicing Lean MFG with time studies, job combining, and eliminating waste movements for better throughput.
- I attended multiple weeklong educational programs to promote company growth and standards, as well as to learn about the culture and history of Ford Motor Company.
Plant Superintendent
Contractors Steel Company
Van Buren Twp
10.2006 - 03.2016
- Overseen 100 employees in the shop, logistics, and maintenance.
- Exceeded company objectives with material production and workflow.
- Implemented innovative incentive programs to increase employee loyalty, and reduce turnover.
- Assisted machine operators with the finished process and quality.
- Maintained the necessary level of communication between shifts.
- Directed and coordinated the production, processing, and distribution of all materials with the proper departments daily.
- Ensured that all health and safety guidelines were followed.
- Monitored product standards and quality-control programs.
- Reviewed processing schedules and production orders concerning inventory requirements, staffing requirements, work procedures, and duty assignments, considering budgetary limitations and time constraints.
Purchasing Agent
Brandenburg Demolition
Lincoln Park, MI
04.2001 - 10.2006
- Budgeting project costs, working with the project manager for each site.
- Negotiated pricing and contracts with vendors.
- Scheduled all contractors and materials deliveries.
- Purchased job supplies and rental equipment.
- Managed multi-million-dollar inventory, including tools and heavy equipment parts.
Education
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Schoolcraft Community College
Livonia, MIDiploma -
Westland John Glenn
Westland, MI01.2001
Skills
- Safety Oriented
- Lean Six Sigma
- Quality focused
- Process improvement
- Leadership
- Communication
- Superb time data management
- Strategic planning
- Team collaboration
- Risk management
- Decision -making
- Strong core values
Certification
OSHA 30
Timeline
Branch Manager -For Arizona
Nucor Rebar Fabrication
06.2024 - 11.2025
Vice President of Operations
Contractors Steel / Borrmann Metals / UPG
07.2019 - 04.2024
Lead Supervisor/Process Coach
Ford Motor Company
03.2016 - 07.2019
Plant Superintendent
Contractors Steel Company
10.2006 - 03.2016
Purchasing Agent
Brandenburg Demolition
04.2001 - 10.2006
Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
Schoolcraft Community College
Diploma -
Westland John Glenn