Wayne M. Poulsen is a dynamic and results-driven operations and technology leader with a proven track record of driving transformation, automation, and scalable growth across high-performing organizations. With a professional foundation rooted in mechanical and systems engineering, Wayne brings a unique blend of technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and executive leadership to the companies he serves.
Currently serving as Director of Operations at Ninjacators, a firm specializing in algorithmic trading solutions for the retail market, Wayne has led enterprise-wide initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and drive technology adoption and now leads product development initiatives. His approach combines the principles of EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) and Scalable business frameworks, ensuring data-driven decision-making and agile execution. Under his guidance, Ninjacators has implemented robust process improvements and automation strategies that have significantly optimized performance and enabled long-term growth.
Prior to his current role, Wayne held multiple engineering and leadership positions at Walmart eCommerce, where he managed over $100 million in capital expenditure projects. His tenure included directing the deployment of customized material handling systems in five regional fulfillment centers, managing large-scale construction and vendor coordination, and spearheading technology integrations that elevated the automation capacity of next-generation fulfillment facilities by 15%. As an Automation Engineer and Project Manager, Wayne consistently delivered projects under budget and ahead of schedule, showcasing his ability to balance strategic oversight with operational precision.
Wayne’s expertise in operational excellence was further demonstrated through his work as an engineer on Walmart’s national network. He developed supervised machine learning models to detect SKU storage errors and implemented analytical dashboards that empowered decision-making at scale. These innovations reduced SKU error identification time by 80% and corrected over 27,000 first-time storage errors, delivering measurable improvements to inventory accuracy and logistics workflows.
Earlier in his career, Wayne contributed to cutting-edge R&D at Johnson & Johnson Ethicon, where he developed surgical fixture characterization methods and streamlined data analysis for endoscopic device research. His innovation in automating data consolidation processes improved R&D efficiency by orders of magnitude. At Jet.com and Walmart’s Bethlehem site, he delivered $1.45 million in annual savings per facility by implementing dynamic re-slotting systems and increasing facility storage capacity through engineering optimizations.
Wayne holds a Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering and Design and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. As a research engineer at the Wu Manufacturing Research Center, he developed low-cost orthotic manufacturing techniques using 3D printing and robotics—pioneering medical device manufacturing advancements that blended affordability with customization.
Throughout his career, Wayne has established himself as a forward-thinking leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, engineering, and technology. His ability to orchestrate cross-functional teams, integrate innovative technologies, and execute large-scale initiatives has made him a trusted architect of operational excellence and sustainable growth. Wayne remains committed to leveraging his diverse expertise to help organizations navigate complexity, scale effectively, and deliver exceptional value in a competitive landscape.
Character: Wayne Poulsen demonstrates integrity, initiative, and a relentless drive for operational excellence, consistently delivering impactful results with accountability and purpose.
Knowledge: With advanced degrees in systems and mechanical engineering and hands-on experience in automation, AI, and process optimization, Wayne offers deep technical expertise across diverse industries.
Strategic: He excels in implementing scalable business frameworks and leading multimillion-dollar initiatives that align technology with long-term business goals.
Communication: Wayne effectively collaborates with cross-functional teams and executive leadership, translating complex technical insights into actionable strategies.
