Carrie Russell
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Results-driven Procurement Specialist with over 8 years of experience in inventory management and cross-functional collaboration. Skilled in demand forecasting and problem-solving within time-sensitive environments, ensuring consistent product availability across multiple sites.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Category Planner/Procurement Specialist
Sysco Corporation
Knoxville, TN
08.2015 - 12.2025
- Managed daily procurement activities including purchase order creation, vendor communication, and order tracking to support continuous product availability across multiple distribution sites.
- Monitored inventory levels and maintained forecast-driven stock targets, ensuring alignment between supply, demand, and storage capacity.
- Coordinated with vendors to obtain product availability updates, resolve backorders, and identify suitable substitutions to prevent service disruptions.
- Tracked and managed inventory across fresh and frozen protein categories, supporting accurate stock levels and minimizing spoilage through rotation practices.
- Processed and maintained procurement data within ERP systems, supporting accurate recordkeeping, reporting, and inventory visibility.
- Collaborated with warehouse teams, logistics providers, and internal departments to ensure timely delivery, order accuracy, and efficient workflow.
- Assisted in resolving invoice and order discrepancies by working with vendors and internal teams to ensure accurate billing and reconciliation.
- Generated and reviewed reports related to inventory levels, product movement, and purchasing activity to support operational decision-making.
- Coordinated multiple delivery methods (internal fleet, vendor delivery, third-party carriers) to ensure timely and accurate receipt of goods.
- Maintained strong working relationships with a diverse vendor base, including local suppliers, national distributors, and specialty providers.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TNSkills
Skills
Procurement & Inventory
- Purchase Order Processing & Order Tracking
- Inventory Management & Stock Level Monitoring
- Demand Forecasting & Replenishment Planning
- Backorder, Allocation & Substitution Coordination
- Vendor & Supplier Communication
Operations & Coordination
- Supply Chain Coordination & Workflow Support
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Multi-Site Inventory Support
- Problem Solving in Time-Sensitive Environments
Administrative & Clerical
- Invoice Review & Reconciliation
- Data Entry & Record Maintenance
- Report Generation & Documentation
- Contract & Bid Support
Systems & Tools
- ERP & Inventory Systems (including Workday)
- Microsoft Excel (data tracking & reporting)
- Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word)
Additional Strengths
- Strong Organizational & Time Management Skills
- Customer Service & Internal Support
- Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
Timeline
Category Planner/Procurement Specialist
Sysco Corporation
08.2015 - 12.2025
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Tennessee