Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

MELISSA RUSSELL

Rogers

Summary

Senior Analyst with extensive expertise in demand planning and inventory optimization, recognized as Supplier of the Quarter three times and a top finalist for Supplier of the Year. Demonstrates proficiency in data-driven forecasting and strategic leadership, driving double-digit growth from 2015 to 2020. Committed to enhancing operational efficiency and fostering collaborative retailer relationships through advanced analytical tools and innovative solutions.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Sr. Demand Planner Operations

Explore Scientific
02.2025 - 09.2025
  • Develop and maintain replenishment models based on historical sales trends, seasonality, promotional activity and market trends.
  • Leverage data analytics to prevent overstock and out of stocks, improving inventory efficiency.
  • Monitor sales trends and adjust replenishment strategies proactively.
  • Create data-driven forecasting models for sales and inventory, ensuring optimal purchasing decisions to drive revenue growth.
  • Collaborate with vendors, manufacturers and logistics to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment.
  • Work closely with purchasing and operations teams to enhance lead times and mitigate supply chain disruptions.
  • Partner with sales, marketing and finance teams to align replenishment strategies with business goals.
  • Support mass market distribution channels by ensuring consistent product availability.
  • Contribute to strategic planning discussions regarding product launches, inventory expansion and demand forecasting.
  • Led demand planning initiatives to optimize inventory management and reduce excess stock by 40% in 120 days.
  • Analyzed market trends and sales forecasts to inform strategic business decisions.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align supply chain strategies with business objectives.
  • Streamlined processes for data collection, improving accuracy of demand projections and reports.
  • Aligned product launch strategies with broader organizational goals by incorporating forward-looking intelligence into long-range planning efforts.
  • Evaluated new technologies and software solutions to determine their potential value-add for improving demand planning capabilities. (Net Suites)
  • Implemented best practices in demand management, ensuring consistency and quality in forecasting outputs.
  • Leveraged data-driven insights to inform decision-making at various levels of the organization effectively.
  • Reduced inventory costs by optimizing safety stock levels and reorder points.
  • Successfully navigated periods of rapid change by adapting planning strategies accordingly while maintaining operational stability.
  • Improved customer service levels with timely and accurate demand forecasts.
  • Conducted root cause analyses to identify areas for improvement in forecasting accuracy and bias metrics systematically.
  • Ran weekly fill rate reports to highlight potential issues and corresponding solutions.
  • Provided ad-hoc analytics and operational expertise to drive fact-based inputs into forecasting.
  • Communicated demand plans to manufacturing sites to resolve gaps between demand and supply plans.
  • Procured and managed inventories to support customer backlog and forecast.
  • Improved demand forecast for multiple distribution channels based on previous sales and consumption.
  • Participated in sales and operations meetings to assess performance and forecast and formulate necessary corrective actions.
  • Reviewed historical sales trends and researched demand drivers to prepare forecast data and develop statistical forecast models.
  • Forecasted production schedules and adjusted plans to accommodate changes in demand.
  • Created and implemented tracking systems to monitor progress and meet deadlines.


Sr Demand Planner

Just Play
06.2015 - 08.2024
  • Collaborated with Hong Kong team and internal stakeholders to align product releases with demand, ensuring timely supply, meeting sales goals and minimizing liability.
  • Supported the Hong Kong team with the maintenance of all orders and served as the liaison between HK team, sales team and Walmart replenishment team.
  • Led development of retailer scorecards, identifying issues and driving measurable improvements.
  • Developed data-driven forecasting models to enhance accuracy and optimize inventory levels, resulting in significant cost reductions and improved supply chain efficiency.
  • Presented actionable insights to senior management, influencing strategic business decisions related to product supply and distribution.
  • Designed custom reporting tools that provided actionable information for stakeholders across multiple departments efficiently.
  • Established efficient communication channels between supply chain partners, enhancing transparency and collaboration throughout the network.
  • Managed high-impact projects to improve overall supply chain effectiveness and responsiveness.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align production plans with customer requirements.
  • Prepared and maintained comprehensive production reports to highlight production developments for management review.
  • Aligned product launch strategies with broader organizational goals by incorporating forward-looking intelligence into long-range planning efforts.
  • Enhanced supply chain efficiency through effective collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Reduced inventory costs by optimizing safety stock levels and reorder points.
  • Developed robust demand planning processes to support business growth objectives.
  • Successfully navigated periods of rapid change by adapting planning strategies accordingly while maintaining operational stability.
  • Ran weekly fill rate reports to highlight potential issues and corresponding solutions.
  • Provided ad-hoc analytics and operational expertise to drive fact-based inputs into forecasting.
  • Communicated demand plans to manufacturing sites to resolve gaps between demand and supply plans.
  • Procured and managed inventories to support customer backlog and forecast.
  • Improved demand forecast for multiple distribution channels based on previous sales and consumption.
  • Participated in sales and operations meetings to assess performance and forecast and formulate necessary corrective actions.
  • Reviewed historical sales trends and researched demand drivers to prepare forecast data and develop statistical forecast models.
  • Forecasted production schedules and adjusted plans to accommodate changes in demand.
  • Fostered strong partnerships with retailers, optimizing inventory management and minimizing excess costs through effective communication and proactive problem-solving.
  • Spearheaded the creation of advanced analytical tools for precise demand planning, enabling proactive inventory management and measurable improvements in forecast accuracy.
  • Developed and maintained automated tracking systems, hard copy files and records to enhance office workflows.

Category Development/CPFR Replenishment Manager

SteelSeries
10.2012 - 06.2015
  • Led business analysis and forecasting, ensuring efficient inventory flow and retailer satisfaction.
  • Executed CPFR strategy, enhancing retailer relationships and inventory management.
  • Managed cross-functional projects, achieving measurable business results.
  • Developed forecasting models, optimizing inventory and boosting retailer collaboration.
  • Increased promotional effectiveness through data-driven analysis and refined strategies.

Category Advisor Dept. 87 Wireless Accessories

Motorola
11.2006 - 10.2012
  • Monitored inventory and store placements, tracked events and market share, ensuring optimal stock levels.
  • Forecasted line reviews and item recommendations, improving accuracy of inventory planning.
  • Archived sales and inventory data, facilitating easy access for analysis and reporting.
  • Tracked financial goals, conducted gap analysis, and provided competitive intelligence for annual planning.
  • Analyzed item performance and assisted in modular development, enhancing product lifecycle management.

Inventory Manager

Sam's Club
05.1994 - 11.1999
  • Supervised hourly associates, ensuring smooth operations and team productivity.
  • Maintained inventory levels using Retail Link and Wal
  • Mart Host System, optimizing stock management.
  • Assisted buyers and vendors in sales forecasting through historical and trend analysis.
  • Managed over 150 SKUs, enhancing product availability in domestic and import departments.
  • Collaborated with buyers to plan and execute business strategies, driving measurable results.

Education

BBA - Elementary Education

Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR
05-1993

Skills

  • Scintilla
  • Outlook
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Word
  • Power Point
  • Net Suites
  • Logistics
  • Data analysis
  • Inventory tracking and management

Accomplishments

  • Won Supplier of the Quarter 3X
  • Top 4 finalist for Supplier of the Year
  • Double digit growth from 2015-2020

Timeline

Sr. Demand Planner Operations

Explore Scientific
02.2025 - 09.2025

Sr Demand Planner

Just Play
06.2015 - 08.2024

Category Development/CPFR Replenishment Manager

SteelSeries
10.2012 - 06.2015

Category Advisor Dept. 87 Wireless Accessories

Motorola
11.2006 - 10.2012

Inventory Manager

Sam's Club
05.1994 - 11.1999

BBA - Elementary Education

Henderson State University