JAKE NEAL

• Walmart Forecasting: I spearheaded the creation of Walmart forecasts, integrating inputs from sales teams and supply plans. My insights powered strategic decisions across private label, retail, and .com domains.
• Precision in DTC Forecasting: Leveraging historical data, I consistently achieved forecasts within 10% accuracy for the critical months of June to October.
• Excel Wizardry: In the absence of an MRP system, I engineered multiple Excel-based tools that streamlined procurement and manufacturing processes.
• Risk Mitigation: Presented monthly forecast updates to senior management, highlighting key changes and risks in the demand outlook.

Influenced culinary department strategy for customer by creating unique, and powerful data-driven solutions and working cross-functionally with other departments.

• Cheddar Journey: Utilized cheddar customer behavior to predict cross-shop into other cheeses; merchandising and promotion teams refreshed strategies based on discoveries
• Brand Ubiquity: Created report in Nielsen to calculate the estimated time it takes brands launched at Whole Foods to become ubiquitous in the market
• Local Dashboard: Developed Tableau dashboard local foragers used to identify opportunities by store to develop local brands
• KPI Creation: Initiated and led the creation of a Tableau template to generate KPI Trees used in Quarterly Reviews across all departments.

Influenced center store department strategy for assortment, price, and innovation. In my journey, I’ve orchestrated game-changing moves:

• Coterie Triumph: I pioneered the launch of Coterie diapers at Whole Foods—their inaugural retail partner. Today, Coterie dominates the category with the top three UPCs, boasting weekly units 3.5 times higher than their closest competitor.
• Cultural Savvy: Crafting a region-specific assortment plan for the Latin category, I harnessed immigration data, ethnic grocery insights, and recipe websites to drive success.
• Certified Excellence: My Category Management Certification through CMA underscores my commitment to excellence.

Executed the strategy for multiple categories including item set up, forecasting, and hierarchy management

• Bold Mover: When the top national pickle brand hesitated, I seized the opportunity. Introducing a dynamic Midwest start-up brand, we not only replaced the incumbent but also exceeded sales expectations.
• Spend Optimization: My spend analysis prowess ensures that trade investments hit the bullseye, maximizing impact across suppliers.
• Mentoring Peers: Mentored junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth within the organization.

Developed and executed strategic sourcing of inventory and finished goods for three manufacturing lines.

• Just in time: Optimized inventory management for reduced stock shortages and improved order fulfillment rates.
• Sales and Operations Planning: Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to align supply chain strategies with customer needs and expectations.

• Production Planning: Worked with program managers and production leads to develop and maintain the production plan for F-22, F-15, and F-18 radars.
• Inventory Management: Ran weekly fill rate reports to highlight potential issues and corresponding solutions.