Melinda Fisher
Plainfield
Summary
Results-driven professional with extensive vendor relations experience. Analyzed market trends and optimized inventory levels using Oracle and Excel. Fostered collaboration and achieved cost savings through strategic negotiations, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Procurement Agent III
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Mashantucket
04.2026 - Current
- Managed vendor relationships and negotiated contract terms for procurement processes.
- Evaluated supplier performance and ensured compliance with organizational standards.
- Collaborated with multiple departments to identify purchasing needs and specifications.
- Led RFP/RFQ development, bid analysis, and award recommendations while ensuring compliance with governance policies.
- Select vendors, create purchase orders, verify deliveries and review invoices to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Coordinate FF&E purchasing and delivery schedules across multiple active construction projects.
- Collaborated with departments to identify purchasing needs and specifications.
- Prepared purchase orders and sent to distributors and suppliers.
Procurement Agent II
Foxwoods Resort Casino
Mashantucket
12.2023 - 04.2026
- 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
04.2011 - 12.2023
- Analyzed sales and inventory data to identify purchasing needs and establish reorder points.
- Analyzed market trends to inform purchasing decisions and optimize inventory levels.
- Cultivated vendor relationships to enhance product quality and ensure timely delivery.
- Communicated with suppliers to negotiate best pricing on apparel and accessories.
- Evaluated product quality and vendor performance to maintain quality standards.
- Assessed merchandise assortments regularly to align offerings with customer preferences and feedback.
- Reduced excess inventory through efficient clearance strategies, minimizing financial losses for the company.
- Attended trade shows and industry events to stay current on emerging trends and network with suppliers.
- Opened over 10 new retail locations within the Casino, managing product assortment and merchandising strategies.
Bartender
Ultra 88/ Avalon Nightclub
08.2007 - 01.2023
- Crafted and served diverse cocktail recipes tailored to customer preferences.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Trained new bartenders on menu items and safety protocols, enhancing team readiness.
- Served high customer volumes during special events, ensuring timely service and customer satisfaction.
- Trained new bartenders on menu items, equipment use, and safety protocols.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Increased repeat customer numbers, creating a welcoming atmosphere and remembering regulars' favorite drinks.
Assistant Retail Buyer
Foxwoods Resort Casino
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
02.2007 - 06.2008
- Facilitated onboarding processes, providing new hires with required training and resources to ensure smooth integration.
- Conducted new hire orientation to verify completion of paperwork and recorded information in the human resources database.
- Scheduled and coordinated interviews between hiring managers and potential candidates.
- Coordinated with HR team on performance review processes, overseeing timely completion and follow-up actions.
- 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.
- Engaged in recruitment and selection process for new hires, enhancing candidate quality through thorough assessments.
Education
High School Diploma -
Norwich Free Academy
Norwich, CTNo Degree - Criminal Justice
Three Rivers Community College
Norwich, CTSkills
- Construction and FF&E procurement
- Retail Merchandising Procurement
- Vendor selection & Proposal evaluation
- Projects-Construction Procurement
- Proficient in Oracle Fusion, Raymark, Yellow Dog and Agilysis operating systems
- Microsoft Office
Timeline
Procurement Agent III
Foxwoods Resort Casino
04.2026 - Current
Procurement Agent II
Foxwoods Resort Casino
12.2023 - 04.2026
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
High School Diploma -
Norwich Free Academy
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Three Rivers Community College