Seema Batra

• Utilized historical data, statistical software, and marketing intelligence to develop and maintain forecast for [Product or Service] lines.
• Proposed and implemented solutions to improve demand forecast accuracy.
• Reviewed historical sales trends and researched demand drivers to prepare forecast data and develop statistical forecast models.
• Communicated demand plans to manufacturing sites to resolve gaps between demand and supply plans.

• Recruited and retained top talent, with focus on completing timely performance evaluations, providing positive feedback, and rewarding superior performance.
• Completed routine store inventories.
• Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
• Submitted orders for new inventory.
• Oversaw employee performance, corrected problems, and increased efficiency to maintain productivity targets.
• Optimized store displays and appearance via strategic merchandising.
• Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
• Established and optimized schedules to keep coverage and service in line with forecasted demands.
• Managed store organization, maintenance, and purchasing functions.
• Maintained customer satisfaction with quick and professional handling of product returns.

• Labeled, organized and located inventory items in staging areas or on shelves according to quantity, size, or type of material.
• Strengthened inventory processes to balance supply needs with budget and space limitations.
• Recorded information, shortages, and discrepancies to keep records current and accurate.
• Collaborated with purchasing and production to maintain levels of quality and on-hand inventory.
• Designed and implemented successful inventory control system to track inventory levels and optimize stock levels.
• Built and nurtured positive working relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Coordinated with suppliers to guarantee timely delivery of inventory and materials.
• Established re-order points and monitored supplier performance.
• Negotiated pricing and delivery terms with suppliers to maintain cost savings and stock levels.
• Participated in regular cycle counts to confirm accuracy of inventory records.
• Maintained sufficient inventory levels to meet customer demands at all times.
• Created and updated regular inventory reports and records.
• Monitored inventory levels to confirm compliance with company policy.
• Developed and implemented policies and procedures for inventory management.
• Analyzed inventory data to identify and address stock discrepancies.
• Maintained established levels of goods based on sales forecasts and demand to fulfill orders on time.
• Oversaw warehouse staff and maintained efficiency in fast-paced environment.
• Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
• Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.

● Managed replenishment of $850M Take Home Candy business—the single largest desk for Hershey global (since split into 2 roles).

● Commended by senior supply chain leaders for driving fill rate improvement across US supply management by motivating demand team at Hershey HQ to change ineffective ordering process within distribution network, resulting in higher degree of confidence in Walmart forecasts, and an ability to adapt to change.

● Maximized safety stock for permanent Candy 4-Way Rack by uncovering Walmart systematic limitations. Revisions yielded +10% POS growth and improved inventory management by reducing excess inventory -20%.

● Generated $3M in incremental shipments for $53M s’mores seasonal program by optimizing inventory with weather-driven data. Upon conclusion of program, inventory down -10% and POS up +12%.

● Fostered cross-functional, collaborative relationships. Coordinated improvement in manufacturing and logistics operations across Hershey SBUs, strengthened vendor negotiations, fill rate, forecast accuracy, and market share gains.

● Created and implemented processes to improve vendor relationship management, reviews & evaluations, governance & policies, and training & onboarding, leading to a significant, measurable lift in KPIs.

● Directed IT team to redesign Hershey analytics tool for greater consistency by consulting on Walmart data reporting.

• Reviewed historical sales trends and researched demand drivers to prepare forecast data and develop statistical forecast models.
• Communicated demand plans to manufacturing sites to resolve gaps between demand and supply plans.
• Created unique promo combinations to lower inventory levels and increase profit margins [Number]%.
• Improved demand forecast for multiple distribution channels based on previous sales and consumption.
• Proposed and implemented solutions to improve demand forecast accuracy.
• Procured and managed inventories to support customer backlog and forecast.
• Ran weekly fill rate reports to highlight potential issues and corresponding solutions.
• Utilized historical data, statistical software, and marketing intelligence to develop and maintain forecast for [Product or Service] lines.
• Participated in sales and operations meetings to assess performance and forecast and formulate necessary corrective actions.
• Provided ad-hoc analytics and operational expertise to drive fact-based inputs into forecasting.
• Inspected stocks to identify shortages, replenish supply and maintain consistent inventory.
• Developed and maintained automated tracking systems, hard copy files and records to enhance office workflows.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align production plans with customer requirements.
• Devised and implemented efficient processes for production tracking and inventory control.
• Planned production schedules, taking employee production rates, company needs and seasonal changes into account.

● Generated rapid instock improvement in Neutrogena cosmetics: Below goal items dropped from 106 to 16 in 6 weeks; category instock grew from 94% to 97.8%; and forecast error fell 29%

● Strengthened on-shelf availability of J&J Suncare portfolio during peak seasonal period through negotiation and developed strategy with Walmart, resulting in +$1.6M of incremental ships, maintaining lower inventory levels YOY.

● Improved CPFR-Demand communications as CPFR Lead for integrated demand planning process. Efforts enhanced total demand forecast accuracy, reducing waste and improving profit.

● Managed Walmart transition of 2014 divestures of Carefree / Stayfree and KY brands. Collaborating with Walmart and acquiring vendors to minimize service level impact. Led post-divesture plan assessment.

● Executed replenishment strategies for two $3M multi-vendor, multi-format promotions, leading to +$2M ships, +$4M POS

● J&J lead of undergraduate supply chain recruiting at the University of Tennessee leading to co-op hiring.

• Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.

● Led project management of new tool for sales/promotions analysis, leading to IT development of automated report inclusive of POS trends, ships, sell-thru, and competitive landscape.

● Leadership ability acknowledged by President and Publisher, as well as VP of Sales, through two promotions in four years.

● Modeled growth plan for best-selling authors John Grisham, Eric Carle, and Harlan Coben, $25M POS/Yr.

● Created sales and marketing analysis used by executives for pitches to new leading authors and agents.

● Composed monthly, quarterly, and yearly business reviews by channel, to support direct sales and outside sales managers.

● Sales experience established upon appointment as Associate NAM to Barnes & Noble College Stores. Sales grew +25% in six months.

• Managed inventory flow to meet inventory turn goals.
• Reviewed historical sales trends, researched demand drivers and prepared forecast data to develop statistical forecast models and evaluate forecast results.
• Interacted with sales and marketing teams to understand demand forecast drivers.
• Identified, reported and managed significant variances between forecasted sales, budgets and business plans.
• Increased visibility and accountability into key forecast accuracy metrics by identifying sources of error and developing mitigation plans.
• Provided input and offered suggestions to develop inventory strategies on existing items, new products and product phase-outs.
• Identified excess inventory and developed sales plans to sell inventory, reducing inventory costs [Number]%.
• Negotiated annual contracts and agreements with suppliers, saving over $[Amount].
• Coordinated cross-functional research activities to reconcile significant variances and refine forecast models.
• Conducted audit inspections and independent checks to verify parts and materials.
• Generated and analyzed POS reports to review sales by location and time for future planning.
• Assessed and forecasted brand sales projections.