Melinda Fisher
Plainfield,CT
Summary
Dynamic professional with a strong work ethic and exceptional vendor relations experience at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Proven ability to analyze market trends and optimize inventory levels, utilizing proficiency in Oracle and Excel. Recognized for fostering collaborative environments and achieving cost savings through strategic negotiations. Reliable and responsible team player dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Procurement Agent II
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Mashantucket, CT
12.2023 - Current
- Led RFP/RFQ development, bid analysis, and award recommendations while ensuring compliance with governance policies.
- Conducted vendor evaluations to assess performance and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Established and managed supplier and vendor relationships.
- Select vendors, create purchase orders, verify deliveries and review invoices to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Identified new suppliers for multiple retail stores on property to keep product fresh and exciting.
- Responsible for all logo apparel/hardgood, plush, bath and body and many other categories across multiple retails stores.
- Managed competitive bidding processes, ensuring transparency and fairness in supplier selection.
- Make purchasing recommendations for construction-related goods and services, including FF&E.
- Coordinate FF&E purchasing and delivery schedules across multiple active construction projects.
Senior Retail Buyer
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Mashantucket, CT
04.2011 - 12.2023
- Analyzed market trends to inform purchasing decisions and optimize inventory levels.
- Collaborated with suppliers to negotiate contracts and secure favorable terms.
- Developed and maintained strong vendor relationships to ensure product quality and timely delivery.
- Led cross-functional teams in evaluating product performance and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Conducted regular assessments of merchandise assortments to align offerings with customer preferences.
- Negotiated favorable pricing and terms with vendors, resulting in cost savings for the company.
- Maximized inventory turnover by effectively managing purchasing processes and maintaining optimal stock levels.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of quality merchandise.
- Improved overall customer satisfaction ratings by consistently procuring high-quality products at competitive prices.
- Provided clerks with information to print on price tags such as price, mark-ups or mark-downs or style number.
- Reviewed each store location's buying trends to ascertain correct assortment of apparel for maximum sales and profits.
- Studied and monitored market trends to identify potential suppliers.
- Sourced new vendors in effort to boost range of products offered in store locations while reducing costs through strategic contract negotiations.
- Monitored and analyzed sales records, trends, or economic conditions to anticipate consumer buying patterns.
- Communicated with suppliers to negotiate best pricing on apparel and accessories.
- Cultivated relationships with wholesalers and distributors to increase inventory availability.
- Evaluated product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
- Prepared and analyzed reports to track inventory and purchasing trends.
- Established relationships with vendors to secure competitive pricing and discounts.
- Researched and identified new suppliers and vendors.
- Interacted with vendors, store managers and other stakeholders to maintain on-time deliveries.
- Analyzed sales and inventory data to determine purchasing needs and reorder points.
- Collaborated with sales team to identify and fulfill customer needs.
- Placed orders for merchandise consistent with quality, quantity and other specification requirements.
- Managed and maintained purchase orders and invoices.
- Traveled to store locations to review product mix, obtain feedback and share information.
- Reduced excess inventory through efficient clearance strategies, minimizing financial losses for the company.
- Collaborated with store management to create effective merchandising strategies that showcased products and drove sales.
- Identified new product opportunities through comprehensive market research and trend analysis.
- Analyzed competitor pricing strategies to identify potential opportunities for competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Organized trade shows and attended industry events to stay current on emerging trends and networking with suppliers.
Bartender
Ultra 88/ Avalon Nightclub
Uncasville, CT
08.2007 - 01.2023
- Crafted and served diverse cocktail recipes tailored to customer preferences.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area, ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Trained new bartenders on menu items, equipment use, and safety protocols.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Supported special events through attentive service, adapting quickly to varying needs of guests or clients.
- Increased repeat customer numbers, creating welcoming atmosphere and remembering regulars' favorite drinks.
Assistant Retail Buyer
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Mashantucket, CT
06.2008 - 04.2011
- Collaborated with vendors to negotiate pricing and secure favorable terms for product procurement.
- Managed product selection process, ensuring alignment with customer preferences and brand standards.
- Placed orders for merchandise consistent with quality, quantity and other specification requirements.
- Traveled to store locations to review product mix, obtain feedback and share information.
- Monitored sell-through rates closely, making timely markdowns or promotions as necessary.
HR Assistant
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Mashantucket, CT
02.2007 - 06.2008
- Assisted with onboarding processes, ensuring new hires received necessary training and resources.
- Managed employee records and maintained confidentiality in compliance with HR policies.
- Responded to employee inquiries regarding benefits, policies, and procedures in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with HR team on performance review processes, ensuring completion and follow-up actions.
- Answered and redirected incoming phone calls for office.
- Filed paperwork, sorted, and delivered mail and maintained office organization.
- Conducted new hire orientation to verify completion of appropriate paperwork, recording information on human resources database.
- Scheduled and coordinated interviews between hiring managers and potential candidates.
- Set up orientations and initial training for new employees.
- Participated in recruitment and selection process for new hires.
- Checked references for potential candidates.
- Participated in job fairs to recruit new talent.
Bartender
Dillan’s Restaurant
Norwich, CT
2002 - 08.2007
- Prepared and served a variety of cocktails and beverages to enhance guest experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bar area to ensure operational efficiency.
- Assisted in inventory management by tracking stock levels and ordering supplies.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate drink orders during peak hours effectively.
- Monitored and enforced responsible alcohol service policies to promote guest safety.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Developed loyal clientele by consistently delivering outstanding service and engaging in friendly conversation.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Adapted to fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple drink orders simultaneously without compromising quality.
- Handled cash and card transactions accurately, reducing discrepancies and balancing till at end of each shift.
- Regularly cleaned and sanitized bar area, beer lockers, refrigeration and storage areas.
- Kept bar stocked with liquors, juices and garnishes for drinks.
Income Audit Gaming Clerk
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Mashantucket, CT
10.2003 - 02.2007
- Maintained accurate financial records for daily cash handling and reconciliations.
- Handled confidential information in compliance with privacy policies and regulations.
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple priorities and tasks, ensuring timely completion of each assignment.
- Reduced errors in data entry by carefully inputting information into computer systems with attention to detail.
- Provided quality clerical support through data entry, document management, email correspondence, and overseeing operation of office equipment.
- Increased accuracy in financial reporting by meticulously reviewing and reconciling accounts.
Retail Sales Associate
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Mashantucket, CT
09.1999 - 10.2003
- Assisted customers in product selection, providing tailored recommendations to enhance shopping experience.
- Processed transactions accurately using point-of-sale systems, ensuring efficient checkout process.
- Maintained inventory levels by restocking merchandise and organizing displays for optimal presentation.
- Collaborated with team members to create engaging promotional displays, boosting customer interest and sales.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
Server/Bartender
Preston Dairy Restaurant
Preston City, CT
1997 - 2002
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food delivery.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area.
- Assisted in training new servers on restaurant procedures.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
Education
High School Diploma -
Norwich Free Academy
Norwich, CTNo Degree - Criminal Justice
Three Rivers Community College
Norwich, CTSkills
Strong work ethic
Exceptional with vendor relations
Reliable and responsible
Vendor selection and proposal evaluation
Cost reduction
Construction & FF&E Procurement
Retail merchandise and fixture procurement
Oracle fusion
Excel
Raymark
Yellow Dog
Agylisis/Infogenesis
Timeline
Procurement Agent II
Foxwoods Resort Casino
12.2023 - Current
Senior Retail Buyer
Foxwoods Resort Casino
04.2011 - 12.2023
Assistant Retail Buyer
Foxwoods Resort Casino
06.2008 - 04.2011
Bartender
Ultra 88/ Avalon Nightclub
08.2007 - 01.2023
HR Assistant
Foxwoods Resort Casino
02.2007 - 06.2008
Income Audit Gaming Clerk
Foxwoods Resort Casino
10.2003 - 02.2007
Retail Sales Associate
Foxwoods Resort Casino
09.1999 - 10.2003
Bartender
Dillan’s Restaurant
2002 - 08.2007
Server/Bartender
Preston Dairy Restaurant
1997 - 2002
High School Diploma -
Norwich Free Academy
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Three Rivers Community College