Sonali Rao

Conducted Nielsen based analytics identifying trends in purchase behavior to help retailers drive sales growth of private label items and case packs. Determined strategy for lower tier quality towel segment using Nielsen data and GP manufacturing constraints. Identified $35K in cost savings in distribution and warehousing through P&L analysis. Initiated and successfully changed new product development process reducing IT timeline by 2 weeks.

Reduced year over year working capital by $20M by effectively managing production to meet finished good demand. Conducted analysis of mill fiber usage and market demand strategy that identified “good quality” fiber gap of 500 tons per day, assisting in approval of mill investments worth $50M. Identified fiber requirements based on forecast allowing mill fiber substitution saving the mill $210K. Worked with mill team to keep operation lines running during major mill outage – resulting in savings of $1M.

Identified and implemented changes in workflow and staffing levels, resulting in increased throughput by 20%. Managed team of 35 people responsible for programming phones for top telecommunications company. Liaised with client operations team, UPS staff to streamline operations.

Led customer research initiative to identify root cause of major product returns based on sales and returns data. Identified solutions for six product designs resulting in reduced customer returns. Reduced number of locations per SKU in warehouse from 1.4 to 1.2 using cycle times and forecasting analysis while maintaining customer support levels. Trained sales team in retail stores through role-plays and product clinics weekly to leverage market insights for successful sales

Exchange Program

Study Abroad program