The Director will partner closely with the Inventory Health team, Warehouse Operations leadership, Finance, and site-level teams to ensure inventory integrity, financial accuracy, and audit compliance. They have site specific direct reports who also assist in driving results at the individual site level.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Compliance- Define and execute the regional inventory control strategy aligned with enterprise financial and operational priorities
- Own compliance, ensuring adherence to internal controls, audit standards, and regulatory requirements across various sites spanning numerous states
- Establish and enforce inventory control policies, standards, KPIs, and performance metrics
- Ensure inventory accuracy, shrink reduction, and financial integrity across all assigned facilities
- Partner with Inventory Health and Finance to ensure accurate month-end close, audit preparation, variance analysis, and financial reporting requirements
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies
- Collaborate with third-party auditors and ensure all locations are audit-ready and compliant
Inventory Management & Operational Oversight- Oversee all physical inventory processes including planning, execution, reconciliation, and reporting through your leadership team
- Ensure integrity of inventory adjustments, transfers, and system transactions in STORIS and HighJump platforms
- Manage inventory accuracy targets and shrink reduction goals; develop action plans to address variances
- Monitor and report on key inventory metrics including accuracy rates, shrink %, cycle count performance, and financial impact
- Establish audit-ready standards and pre-inventory protocols across all assigned warehouses
- Ensure site teams execute inventory best practices, cycle counting programs, and variance investigation processes
- Partner with Inventory Health team on disposition processes for damaged goods and obsolete inventory; ensure site teams execute collection, communication, and removal activities as required
- Support warehouse relocations and facility startups by providing inventory control leadership, planning, and execution oversight
People Leadership- Lead, mentor, and develop direct reports who manage site specific inventory teams
- Drive a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement
- Manage workforce planning, hiring, performance management, and employee development for your leadership team
- Conduct regular site visits to coach Supervisors and Leads on inventory best practices, compliance standards, and operational execution
- Foster collaboration across inventory, operations, finance, and inventory health teams
- Provide clear communication of company goals, inventory strategies, and performance expectations through team meetings and one-on-one coaching
- Ensure Supervisors and Leads are effectively managing and developing their teams to meet operational and compliance objectives
Cross-Functional Partnership & Reporting- Serve as the primary inventory control interface between warehouse operations teams and varying senior leaders
- Partner closely with warehouse operations leadership to align inventory processes with fulfillment execution and operational priorities
- Collaborate with the Inventory Health team and their managers/analysts on reporting, data analysis, and process improvement initiatives
- Request dashboards, reports, and analytics from Inventory Health team to support decision-making and performance tracking
- Provide executive-level reporting, analytics, and insights on inventory performance, compliance, trends, and improvement initiatives to VP of Finance
- Translate complex operational challenges into clear, data-driven recommendations for leadership, and follow through execution
- Support business case development and investment strategies for inventory technology and process improvements
- Escalate and resolve system issues by partnering with the WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) team and IT as needed
Program & Project Delivery- Lead large-scale inventory projects including warehouse relocations, facility startups, process redesigns, and system implementations
- Accountable for successful delivery of inventory programs through your leadership team (scope, budget, timeline, and outcomes)
- Implement standardized reporting and communication processes for stakeholders and executive leadership
- Drive adoption of new technologies, processes, and tools across the region
Data-Driven Decision Making- Leverage reporting and analytics provided by Inventory Health team to drive informed decision-making
- Use data to identify root causes of shrink, inaccuracy, and compliance gaps; drive sustainable solutions
- Request custom reports and dashboards from Inventory Health team to support operational and strategic initiatives
- Monitor trends, risks, and opportunities; develop action plans to address findings
QualificationsEducation- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Business, Finance, or related field (Preferred) or equivalent experience
Experience- 5+ years of progressive experience in inventory management, supply chain, or distribution operations, multi-site preferred
- 5+ years in a leadership role directly supervising others
- Proven experience leading inventory control teams across large-scale fulfillment or distribution centers with strong focus on compliance and audit readiness
- Experience with high-volume inventory throughput
- Demonstrated success driving measurable improvements in inventory accuracy, shrink reduction, and compliance performance
Knowledge, Skills & AbilitiesTechnical Expertise:- Deep understanding of physical inventory processes; cycle counting methodologies, inventory reconciliation and investigation, as well as inventory control best practices
- Strong knowledge of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ERP platforms, and inventory management software
- Experience with HighJump WMS platform (Preferred)
- Proficiency in Excel and data analysis
- Experience with RF scanning equipment, barcode systems, and inventory tracking technologies
- Familiarity with financial controls, compliance requirements, and third-party audit standards
- Understanding of hiring, coaching, corrective action, and termination processes
Leadership & Strategic Thinking:- Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams across multiple sites
- Strong business acumen and ability to align inventory strategy with financial and operational goals
- Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
- Experience driving change management and process improvement at scale
- Ability to effectively manage and develop a team of Supervisors and Leads
Operational Excellence & Compliance:- Compliance-first mindset with deep expertise in audit readiness, internal controls, and regulatory requirements
- Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, or similar methodologies
- Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and recommend solutions
- Ability to establish operational discipline tied to KPIs including accuracy, shrink, cost, and compliance
Communication & Collaboration:- Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal) with ability to present to executive leadership
- Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration abilities
- Ability to translate complex inventory challenges into clear, actionable insights for VP-level leadership
- Proven ability to influence and drive change across organizational boundaries
- Strong partnership skills to work effectively with Inventory Health team, Finance, and Operations
Mindset & Attributes:- Dirty Fingernail Philosophy: Leads from the floor, inspect what you expect, and holds teams accountable for outcomes
- Compliance & Integrity Focused: Unwavering commitment to accuracy, controls, and ethical practices
- Data-Driven: Uses analytics and metrics provided by support teams to make informed decisions
- Customer-Centric & Boundaryless: Works across silos for the greater good of the organization
- Growth & Results Focus: Understands how inventory integrity drives profitability, customer satisfaction, and operational performance
- Culture of Leadership: Builds trust, leads through influence, and develops future leaders
Work EnvironmentThis position services multiple active retail fulfillment centers with moderate to high noise levels, temperature variations, and material handling equipment in operation. The role requires monthly travel across the West Coast region and involves working closely with teams on the warehouse floor. The Director will spend significant time standing, walking on concrete floors, and may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and steel-toed boots. The fast-paced environment involves time-sensitive and safety-sensitive operations and may include various shift schedules to support audit and inventory activities.
Benefits We Offer- Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
- Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Tuition Assistance
- Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific)
- 401(k) and Profit Sharing
- Life Insurance
