Michele Little

National Category Manager for Energy Drinks, Ready to Drink Tea and Coffee and Ice Cream for all 7-Eleven stores in North America.  Co-Managed Non-Alcoholic Beverage Sales for products generating more than $1.3 billion annually in sales. Directly responsible for profitable procurement of items in 4 categories.  Collaborated with supplier partners to design and present 5-year innovation plan to senior management targeting product gaps in assortment based on emerging consumer trends to lead market in item launch to shelf and increase YOY category sales 20%.  Supervised a team of 2 as well as indirect supervision, coaching and education of 15 regional leaders.  Innovated and executed First, Best and Only items capitalizing on current and future category trends and consumer insights. A proprietary energy drink launch was reported on in USA Today and recognized on 7-Eleven website as a “company milestone”.  Created, approved product designs to solve a pricing solution in ice cream cases for 7500+ stores. Led collaboration of 7 team members from procurement, marketing and merchandising to design, budget and execute project.  Earned 3 company best practice awards on new item innovation, supplier partnership and merchandising solution projects.