JACOB ZIMMER
Plant Manager
Lenexa
Summary
Results-driven Plant Manager with extensive experience overseeing high-volume production, distribution, and multi-site operations. Skilled in leading teams, optimizing routing and logistics, and ensuring strict compliance with safety, quality, and customer service standards. Known for developing strong leaders, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining a customer-first culture that supports reliable, on-time service.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Plant Manager
The Home City Ice Co
09.2021 - Current
- Directed end-to-end plant operations with daily strategic alignment to senior leadership on production, staffing, routing, and customer performance.
- Led workforce planning, full-cycle recruiting, and talent development, building a strong leadership bench and ensuring all departments and terminals were fully staffed.
- Provided high-level coaching to the Assistant Manager and key personnel, strengthening decision-making capability and operational leadership.
- Established and managed KPIs for production, service, safety, and quality, driving continuous improvement and a high-accountability culture.
- Oversaw daily operational planning, ensuring optimal resource allocation, rapid conflict resolution, and exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Led routing strategy using data-driven decision-making to maximize delivery efficiency, reduce service disruptions, and maintain “in-stock” performance.
- Directed production planning, inventory management, and 24/7 peak-period operations to ensure reliable supply and efficient equipment utilization.
- Managed fleet, facility, and equipment operations, including maintenance scheduling, safety compliance, and execution of HACCP/IPIA standards.
- Oversaw all administrative and compliance functions including payroll governance, HR documentation, driver qualification requirements, and audit accuracy.
- Collaborated with sales leadership to support customer needs, drive service excellence, and strengthen long-term customer relationships.
Assistant Plant Manager
The Home City Ice Co
02.2020 - 09.2021
- Supported daily plant operations through consistent communication with plant and zone leadership, ensuring alignment on staffing, production, routing, and service needs.
- Led front-line recruiting efforts, sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and helping maintain adequate staffing across seasonal and year-round demands.
- Oversaw production scheduling, inventory levels, and compliance with IPIA/SSOP/CCP standards while building technical knowledge of all facility equipment and processes.
- Served as Safety Representative when assigned, conducting safety meetings, training and road-testing drivers, and enforcing company safety and uniform policies.
- Assisted in routing operations, maintaining route plans, dispatching call-ins and special deliveries, and ensuring all customer locations remained fully stocked.
- Managed key administrative responsibilities, including payroll processing, required documentation, banking procedures, and maintaining complete employee files.
Lead Driver/CDL Trainer
The Home City Ice Co
05.2015 - 02.2020
- Completed assigned delivery routes efficiently and accurately while maintaining a strong commitment to safety and on-time service.
- Provided excellent customer service by maintaining professional interactions, resolving issues, and ensuring products were stocked to customer expectations.
- Performed thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure vehicle safety, compliance, and readiness for daily operations.
- Trained new drivers on company standards, delivery procedures, equipment operation, and best practices for safe, efficient route execution.
- Obtained a CDL and supported new hires in preparing for and earning their CDL through hands-on guidance, coaching, and skill development.
- Maintained accurate delivery documentation and adhered to all company, DOT, and safety requirements.
Education
B.S. - Management Information System
PennWest Edinboro
Edinboro, PA05-2019
Skills
Operations management
Production scheduling
Safety management
Team building and development
Training programs
Project management
Mentorship
Continuous improvement
Facility management
Scheduling
Accomplishments
Mentorship Program
- Mentored other peer Plant Managers
Timeline
Plant Manager
The Home City Ice Co
09.2021 - Current
Assistant Plant Manager
The Home City Ice Co
02.2020 - 09.2021
Lead Driver/CDL Trainer
The Home City Ice Co
05.2015 - 02.2020
B.S. - Management Information System
PennWest Edinboro