Ashley Furniture Industries

Distribution Center Operations Manager

Ashley Furniture Industries • $75K — $95K *
Advance, NC 27006In-Person
Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field required
  • Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in distribution, e-commerce, logistics, or related industry
  • Proven ability to lead teams and manage resources effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making approach
  • Experience with Lean methodologies and process improvements
  • Excellent leadership and team-building skills
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate across all organizational levels

Responsibilities

  • Guide and develop supervisors to achieve productivity, quality, and safety goals through coaching
  • Plan ahead to ensure seamless product flow, cost efficiency, and inventory accuracy
  • Direct all distribution center activities to ensure on-time order fulfillment
  • Analyze trends, diagnose issues, and implement smart business solutions based on data
  • Use Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to enhance processes and drive excellence
  • Work with HR and other teams to align operations with company goals
  • Conduct safety audits and ensure compliance with safety regulations

Benefits

  • Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday off
  • Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Tuition Assistance
  • 401(k) and Profit Sharing
  • Life Insurance
Full Job Description
Summary: The Distribution Center Operations Manager is the driving force behind our distribution center's success, overseeing multiple departments, leading supervisors, and ensuring everything runs smoothly-on time, within budget, and with safety as a top priority. This dynamic leadership role requires a problem solver who thrives in a fast-paced environment with a knack for leading teams, optimizing operations, and making data-driven decisions. The Operations Manager plans ahead to ensure seamless product flow, cost efficiency, and inventory accuracy while using Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
Leading & Mentoring
  • Guide and develop supervisors to achieve productivity, quality, and safety goals through effective coaching and performance management
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of supervisors and warehouse associates to build organizational capability and drive performance excellence
  • Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development opportunities to team members
  • Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the distribution center
  • Drive employee engagement and retention through effective leadership, recognition, and career development initiatives
  • Manage staffing levels and scheduling to meet operational demands while controlling labor costs and maintaining service levels
Optimizing Operations
  • Plan ahead to ensure seamless product flow, cost efficiency, and inventory accuracy across all distribution center functions
  • Direct all distribution center activities including receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping to ensure on-time order fulfillment
  • Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize throughput
  • Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including productivity, accuracy, safety, and cost metrics to drive results
  • Manage relationships with internal stakeholders including transportation, inventory management, customer service, and retail operations teams
  • Coordinate with transportation teams to optimize inbound and outbound shipping schedules
  • Oversee inventory accuracy and cycle counting programs to maintain high levels of inventory integrity
Data-Driven Decisions
  • Analyze trends, diagnose issues, and implement smart business solutions based on data insights
  • Track, analyze, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including production output, efficiency, quality, and safety metrics
  • Leverage data analytics to identify bottlenecks, capacity constraints, and opportunities for improvement
  • Monitor and control departmental budgets, labor costs, and material usage to achieve financial targets
  • Generate and present operational reports to leadership highlighting performance, challenges, and improvement initiatives
Continuous Improvement
  • Use Lean, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to enhance processes and drive operational excellence
  • Implement lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to eliminate waste and drive continuous improvement
  • Identify, develop, and implement system improvement methods to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality
  • Lead cross-functional improvement projects in collaboration with Engineering, IT, Quality, and other support functions
  • Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality across all operations
  • Drive automation and technology adoption initiatives to enhance operational capabilities and reduce manual processes
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work with HR, Finance, Transportation, and other teams to keep operations aligned with company goals and business objectives
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Retail Operations, Construction, Real Estate, Design, and Finance teams to support store openings and ongoing facility enhancements
  • Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization to ensure alignment and drive results
  • Participate in leadership meetings and strategic planning sessions
Safety & Compliance
  • Conduct safety audits, ensure training, and promote a culture of workplace safety throughout the distribution center
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA safety regulations, DOT requirements, and company policies across all distribution center operations
  • Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence and improve safety performance
  • Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and material handling equipment
  • Lead safety meetings and promote safety awareness across all shifts
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field required
  • Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in distribution, e-commerce, logistics, or related industry
  • Proven ability to lead teams and manage resources effectively in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data-driven decision-making approach
  • Experience with Lean methodologies and process improvements
  • Excellent leadership and team-building skills with ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate across all organizational levels
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
  • Knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and distribution center operations
  • Ability to work 2nd shift hours: 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
  • Physical ability to walk distribution center floors, climb stairs, and perform facility inspections
Additional Qualifications, Preferred:
  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field, or equivalent experience
  • Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Lean certifications (Green Belt or Black Belt)
  • Background in logistics or e-commerce fulfillment operations
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) with data analysis capabilities
  • Ability to adapt to a fast-changing environment and manage organizational change
  • Experience with SAP, Manhattan, or similar enterprise warehouse management systems
  • 5+ years of multi-departmental management experience in a high-volume distribution environment
  • Experience with labor management systems (LMS) and engineered labor standards
  • Background in budgeting, financial analysis, and P&L management
  • Knowledge of transportation management and freight optimization
  • Project management experience with capital improvement initiatives
  • Supply chain certification (APICS, CSCMP) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
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 on the 2nd shift.
Shift: 2nd Shift: 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Benefits We Offer:
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday off
  • Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
  • Professional Development Opportunities
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific) and Medical Tourism
  • Telehealth
  • 401(k) and Profit Sharing
  • Life Insurance

About Ashley Furniture Industries

Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. is a furniture manufacturing company headquartered in Arcadia, Wisconsin. The company is owned by father and son team Ron and Todd Wanek. Ashley Furniture manufactures and distributes home furniture products throughout the world. The company has manufacturing and distribution facilities in Wisconsin, Mississippi, California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, China, and Vietnam. Ashley Furniture is the largest furniture manufacturer in the United States and one of the largest in the world. The company's products are sold through a network of over 6,000 retail partners in 123 countries.
Learn more about Ashley Furniture Industries
Size
30,000 employees
Industry
Retail & Consumer Goods
* Ladders Estimates

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