Chad Cowan

Retired

Windsor, Colorado, United States

About

An accomplished, versatile and respected lean leader possessing over 30 years experience in lean business systems, operations, human resources and product creation. Proven ability to lead within complex, matrix-based organizations and in building strategic partnerships both internally and externally. An agent for change with the willingness and determination to take on issues standing in the way of organizational effectiveness. In transition currently and open to opportunities within in new industries. Specialties: Lean, Lean Leadership, Lean Enterprise, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Supply Chain Operations, Strategic Planning, Operations Management, Sourcing, Product Development, Product Creation, Leadership Coaching, Human Resources and Transition Management.

Experience

  • VP, US Operations at Prosci
    Oct 2018 - Present · 7 yrs 10 mos

  • NIKE, Inc. ()
    • Global Lean Business Development Director
      May 2010 - Oct 2017 · 7 yrs 6 mos

      Global role responsible for providing lean expertise in support of enterprise-wide NIKE, Inc. strategic initiatives. Directs the activities and allocation of internal and external lean coaching resources to drive the design, development and implementation of NIKE's Lean 2.0 business system. Enable the ongoing development of our coaching team to ensure they represent the benchmark as internal lean practitioners.

    • Global Transition Management Director
      Oct 2007 - Apr 2010 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      Lead change. Drove successful implementation of the Plan-to-PO and ONE Program initiatives by effectively preparing NIKE leaders, employees and partners for future business processes, policies and systems in support of integrating strategic supply chain capabilities worldwide.

    • Lean Enterprise Program Director
      May 2006 - Sep 2007 · 1 yr 5 mos

      Responsible for leading the lean manufacturing transformation across NIKE's Global Apparel source base and to initiate sustainable process improvement across the balance of the enterprise employing lean thinking / concepts / tools. Additional responsibility as Global Process Lead for the Apparel FlexPDM product data management systems initiative.

  • Area Employee Relations Manager at Frito Lay
    1985 - 1992 · 7 yrs

    Held a variety of field-based generalist roles responsible for all aspects of human resources planning and administration servicing Sales, Manufacturing and Distribution operations. Experience included both union and non-union employee/labor relations, organizational effectiveness, high performing team system development and start-up of a new manufacturing and distribution facility located in Perry, GA.

  • Employee Relations Supervisor at Kerr-McGee Corp.
    1984 - 1985 · 1 yr

    Responsible for the administration of all personnel practices and policies impacting 700 offshore oil and natural gas production employees. Successfully managed an Affirmative Action compliance audit conducted by the Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs (OFCCP).

  • Sr. Human Resources Analyst at Gulf Oil Exploration & Production Company
    1981 - 1984 · 3 yrs

    Division and field level positions responsible for compensation and benefits administration and analysis, OFCCP / EEOC compliance and college recruiting.