Kenny Stewart
Nashville,TN
Summary
Dynamic product and operations leader adept at enhancing manufacturing efficiencies and driving successful product launches. Key accomplishments include reducing process cycle times and costs by 35%, along with achieving an 84.4% readiness score, reflecting strong cross-functional leadership and process optimization.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Independent Consultant - Instructor
Nissan Manufacturing Readiness Program
Smyrna, Tennessee
02.2026 - Current
- Led and provided training to individuals using structured readiness model.
- Produced measurable readiness outcomes while developing the behaviors employers need now: Safety awareness, punctuality, standard-following, communication, problem-solving, coachability, and calm performance under pressure.
- Delivered strong readiness performance outcome: 84.4% of rated participants scored at or above the practical readiness threshold, and 71.1% scored at a high-readiness level
Supply chain and sourcing
Independent Consultant
01.2023 - 01.2026
- Developed production roadmaps for US and international retailers, translating design concepts into production-ready specifications, aligned sourcing strategy with demand forecasting and compliance requirements.
- Collaborated with government officials, technology and supplier partners in Africa, India, and Central America to train and evaluate manufacturing facilities, implement corrective actions and process improvements that improved production efficiency and reduced process cycle times.
Director of Garment Processing
Lucky Brand / Aeropostale
New York, NY
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Owned product lifecycle and production strategy for specialty and value programs, releasing manufacturing orders and managing shop-floor workflow to meet launch timelines and quality standards.
- Led cross-functional coordination with sourcing, procurement, and production partners to pilot new fibers and processing applications, driving cost reductions and process optimization through data-driven analysis and ERP-aligned scheduling.
Product Innovation Technical Sr. Manager
JCP Purchasing Corp
Plano, TX
01.2009 - 01.2021
- Managed end-to-end production lifecycle for woven, denim, and knit products, authoring product specifications and testing protocols to ensure materials and finished goods met demand forecasts and inventory targets.
- Built and led a Research & Testing Laboratory and training programs to scale innovations; partnered with analytics and testing teams to identify bottlenecks, optimize throughput, and reduce sample and production costs by improving processes and supplier performance.
- Implemented pilot programs and supplier evaluations that improved on-time delivery and reduced cost of performance applications by 35%, integrating planning insights into ERP/MRP workflows.
Research & Development / President/Owner
Stewart - West, Inc.
Franklin/Celina, TN
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Directed development strategy and R&D operations for denim dyeing and specialty garment processes, coordinating materials, equipment, and staffing to ensure continuous production and address shortages.
- Managed vendor and supplier relationships, aligning procurement and production schedules to facilitate seamless transition from raw materials to finished goods.
Education
Scrum Master Certification -
Scrum Alliance
01-2019
Executive Education - Leading Innovative Change
UC Berkeley
01-2017
Innovation & Strategy -
Harvard University Division of Continuing Education
01-2016
Skills
- Product Strategy
- Innovation & Strategy
- Production scheduling
- Employee and Supplier Training
- Supply Chain Management
- Demand Forecasting
- Resource Allocation
- Cross-Functional leadership
- Supplier Management
- Process Optimization
- Data Analysis
- Root Cause Analysis
- Cost Reduction
- Agile/Scrum
- Quality & Compliance (RSL/MRSL, ZDHC)
Certification
Scrum Master Certification, Scrum Alliance, 01/01/19
Awards
Sustainability and product innovation awards, Led innovation initiatives that earned multiple sustainability and product innovation awards for improved processing and supplier compliance.
Timeline
Independent Consultant - Instructor
Nissan Manufacturing Readiness Program
02.2026 - Current
Supply chain and sourcing
Independent Consultant
01.2023 - 01.2026
Director of Garment Processing
Lucky Brand / Aeropostale
01.2021 - 01.2023
Product Innovation Technical Sr. Manager
JCP Purchasing Corp
01.2009 - 01.2021
Research & Development / President/Owner
Stewart - West, Inc.
01.2007 - 01.2009
Scrum Master Certification -
Scrum Alliance
Executive Education - Leading Innovative Change
UC Berkeley
Innovation & Strategy -
Harvard University Division of Continuing Education