Brooke Cornell
Galloway,USA
Summary
Professional allocation analyst with strong expertise in inventory management, demand forecasting, and supply chain optimization. Known for delivering strategic insights and driving operational efficiency through data analysis and trend identification. Exceptional collaborator who adapts to changing business needs, ensuring seamless team coordination and high-impact results. Key skills include advanced Excel, ERP systems, and analytical problem-solving.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Allocation Analyst/Replenishment Planner
Big Lots
06.2022 - Current
- Providing projections for planned buys to various vendors based on forecasting models
- Communication with vendors on product availability, production runs
- Providing guidance to planning teams for blended replenishment and general merchandise programs
- Providing guidance and observations based on results vs
- Forecast and allocation strategies for performance improvements
- Partnering with leadership teams to evaluate current best practices and develop training materials
- Leading DC releases weekly cross-functionally with distribution partners
- Committee involvement in implementation of new procedures in an evolving business landscape
- Developed comprehensive reports for senior management on key performance indicators related to inventory management and sales performance.
- Assisted in training new hires on allocation processes and systems, fostering a positive team environment.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to optimize product assortments, maximizing sell-through rates while minimizing markdowns.
Allocation Analyst II
Big Lots
06.2020 - 06.2022
- Developing allocation strategies for new programs in apparel and luggage utilizing partnerships with other areas of the business
- Analyzing store forecasts vs actual performance to inform go-forward strategies for merchant teams in existing and new categories
- Setting up forecasting metrics for all categories at a class level
- Subclass level analysis and seasonal analysis of relevant programs
- Weekly DC inventory review and release
- Training and development of new Allocation Analysts
- Analyzed reports on purchased items to determine which merchandise was popular and which items were not moving sales-wise.
- Developed action plans to help minimize overall company risk.
Allocation Analyst I
Big Lots
04.2019 - 06.2020
- Promoted from in-house Merchant in Training program
- Analyzing forecast and actual store performance for Accessories and Hosiery classes
- Set up forecasting metrics and allocation strategies for general merchandise
- Analysis of trend-based programs via hindsight and strategized alongside merchant teams for upcoming programs
- Cross functional partnerships with planning, merchandising, buying, distribution and traffic teams
- Day to day execution of allocations utilizing a number of different strategies
Merchant In Training
Big Lots
08.2018 - 04.2019
- 9 month training/internship program partnering with all areas of business
- Rotated through Buying, Planning, Merchandising, Allocation and stores to learn business basics
- Researched and developed program for novelty holiday gifting presentation
- Hindsight of seasonal holiday program to present to senior executives
- Development of financial plan for seasonal footwear to present to senior executives
- Analyzed market trends to inform product development and positioning.
- Conducted outreach initiatives to gather insights on customer preferences.
Merchandise Coordinator
Big Lots
06.2015 - 08.2018
- Assist with deal analysis and upcoming buys
- Comp shop at competitor stores; identify and recommend innovative product
- Microstrategy reporting based on buyer needs
- Collaboration with BPARM team on upcoming presentations and closeouts
- Train new associates and cross train current associates
- Attend strategic vendor meetings and recap follow-ups
- Communicate with DCs regarding incoming PO changes, missing/damaged product and product integrity
- Manage truckload and DC splits for closeout offers
- Write and maintain POs
- Create and maintain new and existing SKUs
- Format new offers form vendors for review by the buying team
Inventory Planner
The Wasserstrom Company
04.2014 - 06.2015
- Interpreting E3 ordering system daily and creating purchase orders directly to vendors based on forecasting trends
- Anticipating inventory needs based on upcoming projects as reported by the sales team
- Researching overstock weekly for inter-company transfers
- Reviewing and adjusting forecasts based on buying trends/current programs
Inventory Expeditor
The Wasserstrom Company
10.2013 - 04.2014
- Managing inventory levels for large group of smallwares vendors
- Expediting past due product
- Communicating directly with vendors regarding service levels
- Researching product due for upcoming contracts, rollouts and projects to ensure they arrive on time
- Corresponding directly with sales regarding the research and status of individual POs
- Researching inventory discrepancies as reported by vendors, sales and warehouse staff
Sales Contract Administrator
The Wasserstrom Company
01.2011 - 10.2013
- Organizing and scheduling large contract orders and intricate rollout projects for various hotel and restaurant openings and new programs
- Maintaining discontinued item and forecast reports
- Communicating with vendors to ensure product arrives on schedule
- Communicating with freight carriers for order pickups
Hospitality Inside Sales
The Wasserstrom Company
11.2007 - 01.2011
- Answering inbound calls in call center environment
- Entering reorders and contracts for large hotels
- Entering and coordinating pickups for returns
- Assisting outside sales representatives with various tasks including customer and order follow up, maintaining price codes and product research
Education
Bachelors of Arts and Sciences - English
The Ohio State University
09.2006
High School Diploma -
Whetstone High School
09.2000
Skills
- Advanced Excel
- Supply chain optimization
- Demand forecasting
- Merchandise planning
- Sales analysis
- SAP experience
- Allocation strategies
- Friendly and outgoing
- Reliable and punctual
- Active listener
- Maintaining stock levels
- Space planning
Timeline
Senior Allocation Analyst/Replenishment Planner
Big Lots
06.2022 - Current
Allocation Analyst II
Big Lots
06.2020 - 06.2022
Allocation Analyst I
Big Lots
04.2019 - 06.2020
Merchant In Training
Big Lots
08.2018 - 04.2019
Merchandise Coordinator
Big Lots
06.2015 - 08.2018
Inventory Planner
The Wasserstrom Company
04.2014 - 06.2015
Inventory Expeditor
The Wasserstrom Company
10.2013 - 04.2014
Sales Contract Administrator
The Wasserstrom Company
01.2011 - 10.2013
Hospitality Inside Sales
The Wasserstrom Company
11.2007 - 01.2011
High School Diploma -
Whetstone High School
Bachelors of Arts and Sciences - English
The Ohio State University
Similar Profiles
Jerse TannerJerse Tanner
Furniture Sales Manager at Big Lots Stores, Inc.Furniture Sales Manager at Big Lots Stores, Inc.
KEISHLA ROSADOKEISHLA ROSADO
Customer Service Manager at Big LotsCustomer Service Manager at Big Lots
Kemela HardingKemela Harding
Cashier/Stock Team Member at Big Lots Stores, Inc.Cashier/Stock Team Member at Big Lots Stores, Inc.
Miriam TrejoMiriam Trejo
Retail Sales Associate at Big LotsRetail Sales Associate at Big Lots
Hadia MuhammedsaniHadia Muhammedsani
Resident Assistant at Rutgers University Residence LifeResident Assistant at Rutgers University Residence Life