Tarsha Ellis
Salisbury,NC
Summary
Strategic Category Management & Procurement Leader experienced in driving sales growth, margin improvement, and operational efficiency across major retail banners. Achieved success in managing billion-dollar categories and optimizing assortments through effective private-brand strategies and cross-functional collaboration. Focused on leveraging data tools to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and foster productive relationships within team-oriented, fast-paced environments.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Assortment Optimization
Ahold Delhaize
Salisbury, NC
12.2025 - 08.2026
- Led assortment optimization initiatives across AUSA banners, improving seasonal program execution and consistency.
- Streamlined cross-functional processes to enhance assortment across multiple categories, driving effective execution.
- Analyzed sales data and performance insights for each banner to inform strategic adjustments.
- Led team in daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and project alignment.
Sourcing Analyst IV - GM Seasonal
Ahold Delhaize
Salisbury, NC
01.2019 - 12.2025
- Sourced GM seasonal products for Stop & Shop, Giant Company, and Giant Food, enhancing product variety and availability.
- Built and managed store-specific allocations to increase sell-through and maximize category sales.
- Reviewed product selection, mix, and merchandising to optimize seasonal performance, driving increased customer engagement and sales.
- Supported gross-margin strategies across banners through effective cost management and vendor collaboration, contributing to overall profitability.
Category Analyst - Dairy
Food Lion
Salisbury, NC
07.2015 - 01.2019
- Managed $1.2B category, enhancing sales, margin, and operational performance.
- Executed category plans and private-brand strategies, including rollout of Smart Option gallon milk, resulting in improved market presence.
- Implemented yogurt space-expansion projects that increased category sales.
- Implemented yogurt space-expansion projects, boosting category sales by optimizing shelf space.
Category Analyst - Breakfast Cereal
Delhaize America
Salisbury, NC
07.2011 - 07.2015
- Managed category sales and gross-margin targets, driving profitability for the Super Category.
- Executed category plans and promotional strategies, enhancing visibility and sales across 7 retail banners.
- Maintained cost structures and ensured margin integrity, supporting financial stability across operating banners.
Category Analyst - Dairy
Food Lion
Salisbury, NC
08.2008 - 07.2011
- Managed a $1.2B category and executed category plans.
- Managed shelf management, item assortment, and merchandising reviews to optimize product visibility and sales.
- Oversaw CRP inventory processes for milk and led yogurt category expansion projects to increase market presence.
Category Analyst - Glass/Can
Food Lion
Salisbury, NC
12.2005 - 08.2008
- Supported a $520M category, consistently exceeding performance expectations.
- Readjusted promotional and merchandising plans to enhance sales and margin growth.
- Improved efficiency of team processes and coordinated category programs.
Merchandising Project Analyst
Food Lion
Salisbury, NC
07.2004 - 12.2005
- Managed stakeholder expectations and executed EIA project, ensuring timely completion in March 2005.
- Developed project definitions, plans, and deliverables for Efficient Item Assortment (EIA) initiative, aligning objectives with business needs.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment and collaboration.
- Developed project timelines and schedules to meet operational goals.
- Analyzed project requirements and specifications for food retail initiatives.
Supply Chain Analyst
Food Lion
Salisbury, NC
09.2003 - 07.2004
- Analyzed supply chain processes to identify areas for improvement.
- Established processes for category role assignment and space allocation in test stores, improving layout effectiveness.
- Collaborated with vendors to manage inventory levels effectively.
- Developed reports to track supply chain performance metrics.
- Assisted in optimizing product assortment and store space layout.
Category Analyst - Baking/Prepared
Food Lion
Salisbury, NC
01.1999 - 09.2003
- Analyzed category performance data to identify trends and opportunities.
- Analyzed retail competition and consumer trends to inform strategic decision-making and enhance product offerings.
- Executed category plans and managed item assortment to optimize product selection and meet consumer demand.
- Collaborated with vendors to optimize product selection and pricing strategies.
- Developed promotional plans to enhance product visibility and customer engagement.
Buyer - Baking/Prepared
Food Lion
Salisbury, NC
07.1997 - 01.1999
- Maintained 99% service levels with only 0.5% out-of-stocks.
- Achieved 99% service levels while limiting out-of-stocks to 0.5%.
- Executed purchasing for 7,000 items, facilitating new item setup and driving promotional movement.
Quality Facilitator
Telespectrum Worldwide
Salisbury, NC
07.1995 - 07.1997
- Facilitated quality assurance meetings to enhance team communication and collaboration.
- Monitored compliance with established quality standards and procedures.
- Conducted training sessions for staff on quality control practices and policies.
- Supervised 25-30 employees while managing client sales campaigns to ensure targets met.
- Conducted performance reviews and screened candidates to identify top talent for roles.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NCNorth Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Durham, NCSkills
- Assortment Optimization
- Category Management
- Promotional Analysis
- Margin Optimization
- Procurement & Sourcing
- Private Brand Development
- Inventory & Supply Chain
- Data & Analytics
- Project Management
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Promotion management
Leadership And Community Engagement
- Member, North Rowan Elementary School Improvement Team
- Member, CEO’s Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council, Food Lion
- Co-Chair, Business Resource Group, Food Lion
Timeline
Manager, Assortment Optimization
Ahold Delhaize
12.2025 - 08.2026
Sourcing Analyst IV - GM Seasonal
Ahold Delhaize
01.2019 - 12.2025
Category Analyst - Dairy
Food Lion
07.2015 - 01.2019
Category Analyst - Breakfast Cereal
Delhaize America
07.2011 - 07.2015
Category Analyst - Dairy
Food Lion
08.2008 - 07.2011
Category Analyst - Glass/Can
Food Lion
12.2005 - 08.2008
Merchandising Project Analyst
Food Lion
07.2004 - 12.2005
Supply Chain Analyst
Food Lion
09.2003 - 07.2004
Category Analyst - Baking/Prepared
Food Lion
01.1999 - 09.2003
Buyer - Baking/Prepared
Food Lion
07.1997 - 01.1999
Quality Facilitator
Telespectrum Worldwide
07.1995 - 07.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics