Summary: The Director of Warehouse Automation is responsible for developing and executing the automation strategy across warehouse and distribution center operations. This role leads the evaluation, design, implementation, and optimization of automation solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, safety, quality, and scalability. Partnering closely with operations, engineering, technology, and finance leaders, the Director will identify opportunities to leverage automation technologies, robotics, and advanced material handling systems to drive operational excellence across the distribution network.
Responsibilities:- Develop and execute a long-term warehouse automation roadmap aligned with organizational growth and operational objectives.
- Identify, evaluate, and implement automation technologies, including robotics, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), conveyor systems, sortation equipment, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and warehouse control systems.
- Partner with business leaders to develop business cases, financial analyses, ROI models, and capital investment recommendations for automation initiatives.
- Lead end-to-end automation projects, including vendor selection, system design, implementation, testing, startup, and optimization.
- Collaborate with warehouse operations teams to identify process improvement opportunities and translate operational challenges into scalable automation solutions.
- Establish standard methodologies and automation frameworks that can be replicated across multiple distribution centers.
- Manage relationships with automation vendors, integrators, consultants, and equipment manufacturers.
- Monitor key performance indicators and operational metrics to measure the effectiveness of automation investments and drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure automation solutions support safety, quality, service, and productivity goals while minimizing operational disruption.
- Work closely with Information Technology, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to integrate automation systems with existing business platforms and processes.
- Provide leadership and guidance to cross-functional project teams throughout the planning and execution of automation initiatives.
- Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices related to warehouse automation and distribution operations.
- Support change management efforts, operational readiness planning, and training programs to ensure successful adoption of new technologies.
Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or a related field.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience within warehouse, distribution, fulfillment, or supply chain operations.
- Proven experience leading the implementation of automation solutions within high-volume distribution or fulfillment environments.
- Strong understanding of warehouse operations, material handling systems, distribution processes, and labor productivity metrics.
- Experience developing business cases, capital investment proposals, and ROI analyses for large-scale operational initiatives.
- Demonstrated success managing complex, cross-functional projects from concept through implementation.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Experience working with warehouse management systems (WMS), warehouse control systems (WCS), and automation technologies.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to travel as needed to support multiple distribution center locations.
Additional Qualifications, Preferred:- Master's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
- Experience implementing automation solutions across multiple warehouse or distribution center locations.
- Knowledge of robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emerging warehouse technologies.
- Experience supporting greenfield distribution centers or automation startup initiatives.
- Lean, Six Sigma, PMP, or related professional certifications.
- Experience in furniture, retail, manufacturing, consumer goods, or large-scale distribution environments.
- Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and drive adoption of new technologies across operations teams.
- Experience managing multimillion-dollar automation and capital improvement projects.
Work Environment:This position is located in an active industrial manufacturing and distribution center with moderate to high noise levels, temperature variations, and material handling equipment in operation. The role may require extended periods of standing or walking on concrete floors and 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 production and distribution needs.
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
