Distribution Center Operations Manager

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture - Where Innovation Meets Comfort

Who We Are:

At Ashley, inspiring the love of home is at the heart of everything we do. As the world's largest manufacturer of home furnishings, we're more than a business — we're a family driven by innovation, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We persevere through challenges, push beyond the status quo, and constantly seek better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our solutions-first mindset and dedication to growth are why Ashley remains #1 in our industry.

If you're ready to grow, you've come to the right place. With a true "Growth Mindset," Ashley Furniture invests in developing future leaders and helps every team member learn from the best in the business.

If you are a current Ashley employee: Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board.

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

Our Core Values:

Honesty & Integrity: Acts with transparency, discretion, and ethical judgment. Trusted to handle sensitive information and provide accurate, unbiased insights.

Dirty Fingernail: Takes full accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. Inspects details, ensures data accuracy, and follows through to completion.

Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks better ways to improve templates, tools, and processes. Learns from prior initiatives and embeds lessons into standard work.

Growth & Results Focus: Understands how transformation initiatives drive growth, cost reduction, and profitability. Keeps work aligned to enterprise priorities.

Culture of Leadership: Leads through influence, reliability, and example. Builds trust across functions and supports leaders at every level.

Customer-Centric & Boundaryless: Works across silos for the greater good of the organization. Ensures outputs meet the needs of executives, initiative owners, and teams.

Operational Excellence: Demonstrates strong organizational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to translate ambiguity into clear, executable tools.

Interested in learning more about Ashley Furniture's Community Engagement programs, Environmental Stewardship, or our Core Values, click the links below:

• Corporate Social Responsibility

• View Our Corporate Brochure

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates, only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Notice to Search Firms: We are not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. We will not pay any placement, referral or other fees to any search firms unless we have agreed otherwise in a valid, written agreement for the specific position posted and signed by an authorized representative of Ashley Furniture Industries.

Please note this position is not eligible for current or future employment sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or at any time in the future.