Donald W. Horne
Cocoa Beach,FL
Summary
Highly accomplished Supply Chain and Operations Director with over 20 years of experience in the aerospace, logistics, and manufacturing industries. Proven ability to lead large teams, implement cutting-edge supply chain strategies, and drive operational excellence. Expertise in demand planning, fulfillment strategies, materials management, and process optimization across commercial and defense programs. A data-driven leader with a focus on continuous improvement, cost reduction, and maximizing operational efficiency. Adept at managing high-stakes projects, optimizing supply chain systems, and maintaining strong vendor relationships to ensure on-time delivery and product quality.
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Supply Chain & Material Management
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris Technologies
Melbourne, FL
04.2025 - Current
- Oversaw the planning and execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment across cross-functional teams for successful aerospace project delivery.
- Oversaw program management activities to support strategic alignment with organizational objectives.
- Managed financial planning and resource distribution to improve project efficiency and meet deadlines.
- Executed process enhancements to optimize workflows and minimize costs across multiple departments.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments and developed targeted mitigation plans to safeguard projects.
- Evaluated vendor proposals and negotiated terms to ensure favorable pricing and superior service delivery.
- Directed program management efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic initiatives for aerospace projects.
Director of Supply Chain Fulfillment
Blue Origin
Merritt Island, FL
05.2024 - 01.2025
- Lead and oversee all aspects of the supply chain fulfillment process, from demand planning and inventory management to logistics and supplier coordination, ensuring seamless operations across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of efficient supply chain strategies, achieving 95%+ on-time delivery for critical components and materials across multiple manufacturing sites.
- Develop and manage KPIs to assess supply chain performance, identify bottlenecks, and drive continuous improvement across all aspects of fulfillment operations.
- Work closely with internal teams including production, engineering, and quality assurance to align supply chain goals with organizational objectives, reducing lead times and improving production efficiency.
- Manage key supplier relationships, ensuring timely delivery of parts and materials while negotiating favorable terms to reduce costs and improve quality.
- Oversee capacity planning and resource allocation, ensuring supply chain systems can meet increased demand while minimizing excess inventory.
- Led cross-functional teams to optimize supply chain operations and improve overall efficiency.
- Developed and implemented strategic sourcing strategies to reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
Director of Production Control, Industrial Engineering, and Demand Planning, OLS Site
Blue Origin
05.2023 - 05.2024
- Lead a team of production planners, schedulers, industrial engineers, and demand planners, providing guidance and support to drive operational effectiveness.
- Oversee all aspects of production control, industrial engineering, and demand planning for a leading space manufacturing company.
- Develop and implement strategic plans to optimize production schedules, reduce lead times, and improve on-time delivery performance.
- Implement best practices in production planning and scheduling benchmarking across industry, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and minimizing bottlenecks.
- Implement demand planning processes and systems to accurately forecast customer demand, resulting in improved inventory management and increased customer satisfaction.
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to gather market intelligence, analyze customer trends, and develop accurate demand forecasts.
- Improve production control processes by implementing advanced planning and scheduling tools, resulting in reduced setup times and improved production efficiency.
- Conduct time studies, process analyses, and capacity planning exercises to optimize production layouts and workflow.
- Manage relationships with key suppliers and vendors, negotiating favorable contracts and terms to optimize costs and ensure on-time delivery of raw materials and components.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to improve product designs, reduce manufacturing costs, and enhance product quality.
- Monitor and analyze key performance indicators and communicated findings and solutions to senior executive management.
Director of Operations GS2/Cable Harness
Director of Operations GS2/Cable Harness
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Oversaw all aspects of operations for leading electronics manufacturing company specializing in the production of cable harnesses and electronic components.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to optimize production efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall operational performance.
- Implemented a continuous improvement program, resulting in significant cost savings and improved productivity by reducing the manufacturing engineering work order efficiency from 4 avg/m to 19 avg/m which equates to a 522% increase.
- Improved throughput by 400% from 74 harnesses per month to 284 harnesses per month.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors, negotiating favorable contracts and terms to optimize costs and ensure product quality.
- Monitored and analyzed production data to identify areas for improvement and implemented targeted solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
- Implemented best practices in lean manufacturing, standardizing processes and reducing cycle times to improve overall operations efficiency.
- Developed and managed operational budgets annually, tracking financial expenditures against operational targets.
- Oversaw compliance with industry regulations and standards, ensuring a safe and secure working environment for employees.
Senior Operations Manager
AMAZON.COM INC
Baltimore, MD
08.2021 - 10.2022
- Led 28+ salaried managers and ~2,900 hourly associates, managing largest Amazon sort center in North America.
- Managed a yearly budget of >$100M.
- Owned and delivered the operational budget for functional area, including safety, productivity, financial and labor planning, and operational goals for outbound, or inbound operations.
- Responsible for providing strategic level/long-term planning (3, 6, and 12 months out) including labor planning, rate forecasting, and peak season planning.
- Implemented continuous improvement projects to optimize operations and improve productivity to meet and exceed business objectives; works on strategic projects that have total building and network-wide impact. Effectively leverages the Operations and Area Managers to solicit ideas and understand problems and challenges in the building.
- Networked with other leaders across the network to solicit and share process improvements and drive efficiencies and cost savings.
- Established objectives and metrics for safety, quality, productivity, and customer experience.
- Participated in recruiting to identify and evaluate associates and internal/external candidates for promotion and hire.
Supply Chain Materials Management Manager- Apache
The Boeing Company
Mesa, AZ
02.2019 - 07.2021
- Led a diverse team of materials management and transportation employees overseeing Apache production and spares delivery and flow of commodities.
- Performed capacity planning, including the coordination, scheduling, audit and resolution of problems related to the delivery and flow of commodities.
- Managed and integrated employee activities across more than one area in materials management and transportation.
- Developed and executed project and process plans, implements policies and procedures and sets operational goals.
- Acquired resources for projects and processes, provided technical management of suppliers, and led process improvements.
Fabrication Manager – CH-47 Chinook/F/A 18 Super Hornet Electrical Team
Fabrication Manager – CH-47 Chinook/F/A 18 Super Hornet Electrical Team
07.2018 - 02.2019
- Led a multi-faceted team of 50+ electrical assembly technicians throughout CH47, F-18, Pylons and Jumpers area to recover behind schedule.
- Reduced behind schedule position for the CH-47 Chinook electrical team by 90% (~3000 hours) within the first 3 months.
- Implemented champion time concept in work area to empower the team and drive performance and efficiency.
- Empowered team to drive waste out of the manufacturing system through innovation initiatives using BDS Plant Centric framework reducing cycle-time and improving safety (automated string tie cutter and alum sleeve cutter).
Acting Senior Manufacturing Manager - 787 Program- Mid Body
The Boeing Company
North Charleston, SC
03.2018 - 07.2018
- Led a diverse team of 8 first line managers, driving flow reduction and implementing plans to increase rate across multiple 787 Program positions in North Charleston.
- Integrated new 787-10 model into the production line.
- Increased rates from 10 to 12 and 12 to 14 A/C per month.
- Reduced flow time by 30% and unit cost by 35%.
- Collaborated with manufacturing leaders in Everett, Washington to develop one integrated plan for the 787-production system by implementing best practices and lessons learned across two locations.
- Implemented Value Stream Team focused on “Cut the CoRRS” in Mid-Body, achieving a 46% reduction in rework and enabling reduction in our unit cost to achieve our Long-Range Business Plan goals.
- Created and implemented visual aids for tracking Wings and Joins travel work, enabling the team to build meaningful and integrated plans through lean manufacturing principles.
- Acquired resources for organizational activities, provides technical management of teams and leads process improvements.
Supply Chain Fulfillment Manager– 787 Program- Final Assembly
The Boeing Company
North Charleston, SC
08.2017 - 02.2018
- Led a diverse team of 8 first line managers, driving flow reduction and implementing plans to increase rate across multiple 787 Program positions in North Charleston.
- Integrated new 787-10 model into the production line.
- Increased rates from 10 to 12 and 12 to 14 A/C per month.
- Reduced flow time by 30% and unit cost by 35%.
- Collaborated with manufacturing leaders in Everett, Washington to develop one integrated plan for the 787-production system by implementing best practices and lessons learned across two locations.
- Implemented Value Stream Team focused on “Cut the CoRRS” in Mid-Body, achieving a 46% reduction in rework and enabling reduction in our unit cost to achieve our Long-Range Business Plan goals.
- Created and implemented visual aids for tracking Wings and Joins travel work, enabling the team to build meaningful and integrated plans through lean manufacturing principles.
- Acquired resources for organizational activities, provides technical management of teams and leads process improvements.
Manufacturing Manager – 787 Program- Final Assembly
The Boeing Company
North Charleston, SC
04.2014 - 08.2017
- Led a diverse team of 8 first line managers, driving flow reduction and implementing plans to increase rate across multiple 787 Program positions in North Charleston.
- Integrated new 787-10 model into the production line.
- Increased rates from 10 to 12 and 12 to 14 A/C per month.
- Reduced flow time by 30% and unit cost by 35%.
- Collaborated with manufacturing leaders in Everett, Washington to develop one integrated plan for the 787-production system by implementing best practices and lessons learned across two locations.
- Implemented Value Stream Team focused on “Cut the CoRRS” in Mid-Body, achieving a 46% reduction in rework and enabling reduction in our unit cost to achieve our Long-Range Business Plan goals.
- Created and implemented visual aids for tracking Wings and Joins travel work, enabling the team to build meaningful and integrated plans through lean manufacturing principles.
- Acquired resources for organizational activities, provides technical management of teams and leads process improvements.
Acting Senior Manufacturing Manager - 787 Program- Final Assembly
The Boeing Company
North Charleston, SC
09.2015 - 04.2016
- Led a diverse team of 8 first line managers, driving flow reduction and implementing plans to increase rate across multiple 787 Program positions in North Charleston.
- Integrated new 787-10 model into the production line.
- Increased rates from 10 to 12 and 12 to 14 A/C per month.
- Reduced flow time by 30% and unit cost by 35%.
- Collaborated with manufacturing leaders in Everett, Washington to develop one integrated plan for the 787-production system by implementing best practices and lessons learned across two locations.
- Implemented Value Stream Team focused on “Cut the CoRRS” in Mid-Body, achieving a 46% reduction in rework and enabling reduction in our unit cost to achieve our Long-Range Business Plan goals.
- Created and implemented visual aids for tracking Wings and Joins travel work, enabling the team to build meaningful and integrated plans through lean manufacturing principles.
- Acquired resources for organizational activities, provides technical management of teams and leads process improvements.
Manufacturing & Production Support – H-47 Chinook & V-22 Osprey Programs
The Boeing Company
Ridley Park, PA
03.2005 - 04.2014
- Led a diverse team of 8 first line managers, driving flow reduction and implementing plans to increase rate across multiple 787 Program positions in North Charleston.
- Integrated new 787-10 model into the production line.
- Increased rates from 10 to 12 and 12 to 14 A/C per month.
- Reduced flow time by 30% and unit cost by 35%.
- Collaborated with manufacturing leaders in Everett, Washington to develop one integrated plan for the 787-production system by implementing best practices and lessons learned across two locations.
- Implemented Value Stream Team focused on “Cut the CoRRS” in Mid-Body, achieving a 46% reduction in rework and enabling reduction in our unit cost to achieve our Long-Range Business Plan goals.
- Created and implemented visual aids for tracking Wings and Joins travel work, enabling the team to build meaningful and integrated plans through lean manufacturing principles.
- Acquired resources for organizational activities, provides technical management of teams and leads process improvements.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies
Neumann University
Aston, Pennsylvania05.2009
New Jersey Academy of Aviation Science
Millville, NJ05.2007
Skills
- Improved throughput of Blue Origin cable harness fabrication area by 400% within the first quarter of 2023
- Maintained >95% kitting accuracy across the 3 main Blue Origin manufacturing sites
- Maintained >95% on time delivery for parts and material requests across the 3 main Blue Origin manufacturing sites
- Led Boeing Apache production recovery in 2019, recovering from a 2018 customer delivery halt due to a quality escape while increasing rate to meet international demands
- Special assignment on Boeing 737 program in 2019 driving improvements to the materials management processes, including Material Integration Center implementation and point of use material and kitting in preparation for 737 Max Return to Service
- Appointed Boeing South Carolina (BSC) Site Tool Compliance Leader in early 2018 based on prior BDS leadership experience to create site-wide FOD, tool control and accountability plan in order to regain confidence from our customers and the FAA
- Led the implementation of the One Boeing Production System (BPS) standardizing lean delivery of parts to the aircraft through standard work procedures and provisioning policies using best practices from the automotive industry
- Enabled champion times across 787 Final Assembly and empowered manufacturing leaders to utilize these tools to drive production efficiency and global industrial champion performance
- Cross-functional collaboration and team leadership
- Quality control and ISO9000/AS9100 training
- Inventory control and management
- Process improvement and continuous improvement
- Safety and FOD control
- MS Office and data analysis tools
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Decision-making
- Contract and vendor management
- Negotiation
MILITARY EXPERIENCE
- U.S. Marine Corps.
- Combat veteran; 2 deployments to Iraq and Japan
- Honors & Awards
- Combat Action Ribbon – Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Presidential Unit Citation – Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal – Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Global War on Terrorism Medal – Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbons – Okinawa, Japan & Operation Iraqi Freedom
- National Defense Medal – Okinawa, Japan
- Meritorious Mast Award – Okinawa, Japan
Timeline
Director, Supply Chain & Material Management
Aerojet Rocketdyne / L3Harris Technologies
04.2025 - Current
Director of Supply Chain Fulfillment
Blue Origin
05.2024 - 01.2025
Director of Production Control, Industrial Engineering, and Demand Planning, OLS Site
Blue Origin
05.2023 - 05.2024
Director of Operations GS2/Cable Harness
Director of Operations GS2/Cable Harness
10.2022 - 05.2023
Senior Operations Manager
AMAZON.COM INC
08.2021 - 10.2022
Supply Chain Materials Management Manager- Apache
The Boeing Company
02.2019 - 07.2021
Fabrication Manager – CH-47 Chinook/F/A 18 Super Hornet Electrical Team
Fabrication Manager – CH-47 Chinook/F/A 18 Super Hornet Electrical Team
07.2018 - 02.2019
Acting Senior Manufacturing Manager - 787 Program- Mid Body
The Boeing Company
03.2018 - 07.2018
Supply Chain Fulfillment Manager– 787 Program- Final Assembly
The Boeing Company
08.2017 - 02.2018
Acting Senior Manufacturing Manager - 787 Program- Final Assembly
The Boeing Company
09.2015 - 04.2016
Manufacturing Manager – 787 Program- Final Assembly
The Boeing Company
04.2014 - 08.2017
Manufacturing & Production Support – H-47 Chinook & V-22 Osprey Programs
The Boeing Company
03.2005 - 04.2014
Bachelor of Science - Liberal Studies
Neumann University
New Jersey Academy of Aviation Science