Robert “Rob” Wesley Jr.

Robert “Rob” Wesley Jr. is a Supplier Program Manager (SPM) for Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS), supporting the BDS Core Contracting organization. In this role, he leads the supply chain execution, business strategy, and stakeholder engagement of $1.3B supplier spend for Boeing programs portfolio to fulfill customer needs. His program portfolio covers an extensive domain from F-15/F-18 fighter jets, V-22 aircraft, Apache/Chinook helicopters, and other proprietary/development efforts. Previously, Robert was MQ-28 Navy Growth Program Manager, managing a global cross-functional team to expand the autonomous capabilities on an Australian-built platform for US and international customers.

While executing the MQ-28 Navy Growth Program Manager role, Robert was also the MQ-28 Supplier Program Manager. While in this role, he led four key projects: (1) supporting the MQ-28 team as the Senior Supply Chain Manager, (2) developing key long-term strategies to support Autonomous Systems Disruptive Investment projects, (3) leading the MQ-25 Supplier performance improvement plans and (4) spearheading a cross-functional BDS Tiger Team to drive a One Boeing approach for small turbine engines category.

Before joining Boeing in 2018, he spent seven years with United Technologies Corporations (UTC), where he held several positions of increasing responsibility across all their business units. He is a graduate of the UTC Operations Leadership Program. Positions he rotated through during his UTC stint include Global Supplier Quality Engineer, Supply Chain Specialist, Industrial Engineering Specialist, Transition Project Manager, and Supplier Quality Assurance Representative. He brings back to Boeing a longstanding track record as a Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations leader with a demonstrated skillset in driving cost reduction, implementing process improvements, developing supplier sourcing strategies, leading negotiations, and conducting global supplier development initiatives.

Robert dedicates his time to his profession and is passionate about the progression of minorities within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. As a diversity champion for Boeing, he has served in several leadership roles for the Boeing Black Employees Association (BBEA) Potomac Region since 2020. He has supported the Howard University Campus Team for the Boeing Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Partnership. He is also an active STEM advocate within the following external technical affiliations: the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the National Black MBA Association Inc. (NBMBAA), and the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Conference. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Society for Financial Education & Professional Development, Inc., which promotes financial literacy and business career development in underserved communities.

Robert obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and MBA in Supply Chain Management and Marketing from Howard University. While at Howard, he lettered four years playing D1 collegiate soccer and was team captain his senior year. He also received numerous certificates from Cornell University in Project Leadership and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Leadership At All Levels & Architecture and Systems Engineering. He is a Program Management Professional (PMP). He received the Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) for Modern Day Technology Leader in 2023. He has also been recognized for accomplishments by the BDS CEO at a quarterly recognition ceremony in 2020 and 2021.

He lives in the DC metropolitan area with his wife and 2-year-old son and expects a new addition in May 2024. In his spare time, he enjoys playing soccer, watching sports, and traveling.