Manager Distribution Center Operations - 1st Shift

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 worlds largest manufacturer of home furnishings, were more than a business - were 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 youre ready to grow, youve 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 a dynamic strategic leader responsible for overseeing daily operations of our distribution center, ensuring efficient processes, optimal productivity, and exceptional service delivery. This role directs all distribution center activities including receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping while balancing operational excellence with team development. The Operations Manager develops and implements strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive continuous improvement across all warehouse functions to support Ashleys supply chain excellence.

Responsibilities:

Operations Leadership

• Direct all distribution center activities including receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping to ensure seamless order fulfillment and customer satisfaction

• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize throughput across all warehouse functions

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including productivity, accuracy, safety, and cost metrics, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to drive results

• Ensure compliance with OSHA safety regulations, DOT requirements, and company policies across all distribution center operations

• Manage relationships with internal stakeholders including transportation, inventory management, customer service, and retail operations teams

• Oversee inventory accuracy and cycle counting programs to maintain high levels of inventory integrity

• Coordinate with transportation teams to optimize inbound and outbound shipping schedules

Team 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

• Manage staffing levels and scheduling to meet operational demands while controlling labor costs and maintaining service levels

• Drive employee engagement and retention through effective leadership, recognition, and career development initiatives

• Resolve employee relations issues and ensure consistent application of company policies and procedures

Process Optimization

• Analyze workflows and implement process improvements to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve service levels

• Optimize inventory management and space utilization to maximize warehouse capacity and improve operational efficiency

• Implement lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to eliminate waste and drive continuous improvement

• Drive automation and technology adoption initiatives to enhance operational capabilities and reduce manual processes

• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and quality across all operations

• Lead cross-functional improvement projects in collaboration with Engineering, IT, Quality, and other support functions

Quality & Safety

• Maintain high standards for product quality and order accuracy to ensure exceptional customer experience

• Ensure OSHA compliance and promote a safety-first culture throughout the distribution center

• Conduct regular safety audits and training sessions to identify hazards and reinforce safe work practices

• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence and improve safety performance

• Monitor quality metrics and implement controls to reduce errors, damage, and customer complaints

• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and material handling equipment

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field required

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in distribution center or warehouse operations

• Minimum 3 years in a management or supervisory role with direct reports

• Strong knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and logistics software

• Proven track record of process improvement and cost reduction in distribution or warehouse environments

• Excellent leadership and team-building skills with ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with data-driven decision-making approach

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) with advanced Excel skills preferred

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate across all organizational levels

• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require

• Physical ability to walk distribution center floors, climb stairs, and perform facility inspections

Additional Qualifications, Preferred:

• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)

• Experience with automated warehouse systems including conveyors, sortation systems, and robotics

• Familiarity with furniture or large-item distribution operations

• Experience managing high-volume distribution operations (100,000+ sq ft facilities)

• Knowledge of SAP, Manhattan, or similar enterprise warehouse management systems

• Experience with labor management systems (LMS) and engineered labor standards

• Background in slotting optimization and warehouse layout design

• Understanding of transportation management and freight optimization

• Project management experience with capital improvement initiatives

• Advanced degree (MBA) or supply chain certification (APICS, CSCMP)

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.

Pay:

Competitive compensation based on experience

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 Furnitures 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.