Thornton Haynes

About Thornton Haynes

I am a global operations and engineering individual who builds, scales, and transforms complex supply chain and automation organizations to deliver sustained financial performance, operational excellence, and long-term enterprise value.With 15+ years of leadership across Amazon, Americold, Lowe’s, XPO Logistics, and SSI Schaefer, I have led large-scale network design, automation strategy, and business transformation initiatives across cold storage, ambient distribution, and highly automated fulfillment environments. My work spans greenfield and brownfield development, multi-site optimization, and enterprise-level capital programs exceeding $600M.I specialize in aligning strategy, technology, and people; translating ambiguity into executable roadmaps that improve cost structure, throughput, service levels, and employee engagement. I have built and led high-performing engineering and operations teams, developed future leaders, and partnered directly with C-suite executives to drive measurable results across multi-billion-dollar businesses.My leadership approach is grounded in disciplined execution, data-driven decision-making, and cultural transformation. I am known for anticipating future growth, designing scalable systems, and delivering results in environments where speed, complexity, and change are constant.Core strengths include:• Executive-level operations and supply chain strategy• Network design, automation, and capital planning• Large-scale business transformation and cost optimization• Talent development and cross-functional leadership• Lean, Six Sigma, and performance management at scaleI am passionate about building organizations that win; operationally, financially, and culturally, and I bring a pragmatic, ownership-driven leadership style focused on outcomes, accountability, and long-term impact.

Experience

1. Sr Innovation and Design Engineer - Worldwide

   Amazon

   Apr 2022 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

Education

• North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

  Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Industrial Engineering

  2000 — 2008

Skills

• Warehouse Management
• Six Sigma
• Management
• Team Building
• Dms-100
• Result Oriented
• Arena Simulation Software
• Project Management
• Solidworks
• Warehouse Control
• Budget Management
• People Development
• Continuous Improvement
• Customer Service
• Autocad
• Microsoft Excel
• Team Management
• Industrial Engineering
• Analyzing Organizational Needs
• Red Prairie
• Developer of People
• Drives Results
• Positive Personality
• Lean Thinking
• Inventory Management
• Lean Manufacturing
• Lean Tools