About Me

Adam Probst

Why "Harnessed Laziness"?

I hate repetitive work: if I can eliminate it or automate it, I do. And so I fulfill my desire to stop doing the repetitive work! I've made this my "superpower" to free up time and mental energy to address the root causes of the real problems I face. After teaching myself Excel formulas, Microsoft Visual Basic of Applications (VBA), and Google Apps Script / Java, I have released projects that reduce time spent by well over 90%. This blog will talk about those projects, as well as capture other musings, philosophies, and media I'd like to share.

I am looking for full-time work in the long term, and in the short term I'm available on a project-by-project basis for automation, process improvement, or other consulting. You can reach me at blog@saprobst.com .

I also cross-post on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamprobst/

What's the header image?

The images on the site are public domain photos of the Northrop/McDonnell-Douglas YF-23 "Black Widow II". It was to be the next-generation "advanced tactical fighter" to replace the F-15 and lost the contest to the YF-22 which went on to be developed into the F-22 Raptor. Although it was faster and harder to see on radar, it didn't have the same (impressive) low-speed maneuverability of the YF-22, and some elements of the design were higher-risk (like the limited space for a weapons bay). Still, it's a beautiful airplane and I have a soft spot for it.

My career to-date

I've been aerospace-mad as far back as I can remember. I'm looking for a Director or VP-level role. I rebuild processes and methods to preserve time and mental energy for the real problems. I've executed work transfers in operations and supply chain, led $100M+ proposals and contract negotiations, and delivered results in diverse and challenging roles. I have design, manufacturing, or special projects experience on over 20 aircraft.

In 2025 I was laid off from a major US manufacturer as part of a large-scale reduction in force. All of the company's Commodity Management was centralized from the business units, and my position was eliminated. Coincidentally, I had been looking for my next role (mostly within the company), so the layoff has increased my urgency and made me look further afield. I'm looking forward to learning a new business.

For more information, please contact me at blog@saprobst.com and I can provide an updated resume.

RECENT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) 2024 - Present

Created reporting and modeling to support local small business

• Learned Google Apps Script / JavaScript to cut catalog item entry time by 90%

Senior Manager, Commodity Management Metrics and Tools 2024 - 2025

Developed and implemented reports and automation for Supply Chain group using Excel, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), and SAP ERP. Analyzed data to create performance metrics and drive continuous improvement. Oversaw cross-functional projects to enhance supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Implemented automated quoting process achieving 98% reduction in touch-time and improving archiving.
• Expedited key product line mitigating on-time delivery gap from 2 years to 90 days.
• Created 3K parts / 11K purchase requisitions tracker, allowing for significant decrease in past-due requisitions.
• Led projects “out of scope” for other managers, including $200M export violations settlement and gap closure on FAA undue burden assessment submittals, bringing company back into compliance with regulation.

Senior Manager, Raw Material and Embedded Spend 2023 - 2024

Selected to support division president’s initiative on indirect raw material strategy. Worked with central team to populate databases and facilitate new supplier qualifications. Routinely led or supported other teams ad-hoc.

• Championed commodity strategy, gaining approval of $200M purchasing agreement and leveraging preferred pricing for reduced cost throughout the supply base.
• Temporarily led 4 additional direct reports for coaching and performance management, reducing turn-around times.

Senior Manager, Supply Chain Work Transfers 2020 - 2023

Executed 1K+ outsourcing and supplier-to-supplier work transfers per year with international and remote team of 4-7 direct reports. Grew team (including hiring 2 candidates) and scope (to include Operations transfers).

• Completed 200-part work transfer from Turkey eliminating a geopolitical risk without affecting deliveries.
• Developed Excel VBA / SAP “overlap tool” automation which cut time 99.4%.
• Wrote and updated 20+ job instructions, standardizing processes and instructing on proper tool use.

Senior Program Manager, New Military Programs 2018 - 2020

Profit-and-loss (P&L) accountable for 3-10 multi-million-dollar new product introductions including proposal, negotiation, design, qualification, and first flight. Oversaw continuous improvement activity for military business unit. Promoted from Program Manager 2018.

• Directed and negotiated $100M+ proposals and contracts to US government prime contractors resulting in several awards.
• Expedited engineering, supply chain, operations, and testing for 300+ parts, achieving first-flight approval.
• Established Change Board, enabling cross-functional discussions and decisions.

Program Manager, New Military Programs 2013 - 2018

Led matrixed teams on 3-10 simultaneous development projects to deliver proposals and milestones on-time.

• Assisted other program deliveries by spending 4 months on-site at factory, minimizing customer line-stop.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

Project Management Professional (PMP)
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Kelley School of Business at Indiana University
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Economics and International Studies, magna cum laude, Case Western Reserve University