Who We're Looking For:
We're looking for a strategic, results-driven operations executive to lead our warehouse and home delivery operations. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in distribution and last-mile delivery and a proven record of leading across multiple territories. You've helped business expand while keeping day-to-day execution disciplined. You think beyond today's operation: you build long-range plans, delegate with clarity, develop strong leaders, and bring innovation to how work gets done. This role requires regular on-site presence in expansion markets, including travel to other states and overnight stays. Over time, it offers the chance to grow into executive ownership of Store Operations and the Guest Experience Team.
Who We Are:
- #1 Selling Furniture Brand in the World
- #1 Retailer of Furniture and Bedding in the United States
At Factory Direct Enterprises LLC d/b/a Ashley (FDE), we are committed to "Amazing" our Team Members by supporting their journey toward becoming their best selves. This commitment is reflected in our competitive compensation, benefits, culture, and growth opportunities, all of which align with our vision of being the employer of choice in every community we serve.
As an industry leader, we offer the best compensation package in the furniture industry, including:
- Competitive Base Salary range between $200,000 and $230,000 annually, based on qualifications and relevant experience.
- Executive Incentive Program: Significant earning potential through an individual quarterly bonus based on performance and enrollment in FDE's Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP).
- 401(k) Program with a company match.
- Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay, including your birthday.
- Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits starting as low as $25 a week.
- Referral Bonuses: Earn up to $1,000 for referring qualified candidates for open positions.
- Competitive Advantage: Eligibility for the FDE G3 Profit-Sharing Program, designed to reward disciplined execution, responsible growth, and shared company success through annual incentive payouts.
Our Culture and Team Member Programs: At FDE, we pride ourselves on a culture of recognition and growth. We believe in investing in our team and value their feedback through programs like Employee Surveys. Our Ashley Cares programs highlight our commitment to our team, our guests, and our communities, including:
- Hope to Dream: For every mattress sold, a portion of the proceeds is used to purchase and donate beds to children in need (ages 3-16).
- Give a Day: Every Team Member is encouraged to volunteer for one day per year with an approved organization, and we'll pay you for that day.
- Corporate Chaplains: Providing support in areas such as grief care, hospital visits, marriage and parenting support, aging parents, and stress management.
- Life Resources: Quarterly events supporting Team Members in areas like finances, relationships, health, and wellness.
- Team Member Relief Fund: Offering financial support for unexpected life events.
- SmartDollar: A FREE financial wellness program to help you budget, reduce debt, and save for the future.
Role Summary:
The VP of Operations is a strategic leader responsible for directing and optimizing the company’s warehouse and home delivery operations to ensure an on-time, damage-free delivery experience for every guest. Reporting to the CEO, this role is critical in driving efficiency, maximizing profitability and ensuring the seamless execution of the company’s strategic and growth objectives across multiple territories. The VP partners closely with the CEO and executive team to set operational direction, delegate with accountability, champion innovation and foster a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.
As the business grows, the VP of Operations is expected to evolve into executive ownership of Store Operations and the Guest Experience, partnering with Sales and Store leadership today and assuming full leadership of these areas as part of the growth within the role.
Overall, the VP shapes the Ashley high performance culture by modeling our core values and by leading operational and customer service strategies that keep Ashley as the #1 home furnishings market leader and distinguish it as a brand that exemplifies style, selection, quality and value.
Key Responsibilities
Core Responsibility: Warehouse & Home Delivery
- Utilize LEAN principles to ensure continuous improvement in Operations. Create a zero-defect culture and elimination of waste to ensure that all KPI’s are optimized. Fully leverage the building layout and design and maximize Pieces Per Hour, Returns and Productive Delivery Rate.
- Manages all aspects of warehouse Operations: Receiving, Returns, Maintenance, Recycling, Yard Management, Pick/Putaway, Product Preparation, Load Out, Inventory Control and Furniture Repair with operations managers
- Champions Home Delivery and Customer Service Excellence
- Manages inbound container and receiving flow
- Oversees and leads operational safety standards and culture
- Oversees and interacts with the 3rd Party Delivery Companies to ensure that all contractual obligations are being met and that excellent service standards are in place.
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Collaborates with the CEO and executive team to shape and execute the company’s strategic plan
- Translates strategic goals into actionable, multi-year operational plans and initiatives
- Monitors and analyzes KPIs to track progress, anticipate risk and identify opportunities for improvement
- Delegates with clarity and purpose, empowering directors and managers to own execution while the VP focuses on strategy and long-term value
- Represents Operations at the executive level, presenting performance, insights and recommendations that inform enterprise decisions
Expansion & Multi-Territory Leadership
- Serves as a contributing member of corporate growth strategy team
- Leads operational strategy for expansion, including new territories, new locations and growth of the warehouse and delivery network
- Designs scalable warehouse, delivery and staffing models that can be replicated across territories
- Standardizes processes, KPIs and reporting to ensure consistent, high-performance results regardless of location
- Frequently evaluates the warehouse and delivery network to optimize capacity, cost and speed
Logistics & Delivery Partner Management
- Manages relationships and performance with key 3PL, transportation and delivery partners
- Implements strategies to mitigate logistics risk and ensure business continuity
- Communicates to executive leadership any significant changes in the logistics network that may affect cost or delivery performance
Financial Management
- Develops and manages the operational budget in partnership with Finance
- Identifies and implements cost-saving initiatives without compromising service
- Ensures financial accountability and compliance with company policies and procedures
Team Leadership & Development
- Leads all operations activities and initiatives, providing strong leadership and mentorship to operational teams
- Builds a world class Operations team and a strong bench of future leaders through succession planning
- Partners with Human Capital attract, develop and retain top talent and execute the staffing plan
- Fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement
- Oversees consistent implementation of process and policy standards across departments
- Manages and communicates key Management Reports
- Communicates and upholds the Mission, Values, and Core Values
Technology & Innovation
- Evaluates and implements new technologies, automation and WMS enhancements in partnership with Technology
- Drives innovation in operational processes and systems, building a culture that challenges the status quo
- Leads company process improvement initiatives, workshops and meetings
Growth Opportunity: Store Operations & Guest Experience
The following areas represent the growth path for this role. The VP of Operations will partner in these areas initially, with the expectation of evolving into full executive ownership as the business grows.
- Leading contact center, quality assurance, and service/repair teams
- Ensures excellent customer service experience and customer engagement is achieved
- Coordinates services in supporting the guest experience and Sales, creating and supporting an effective sales and service environment
- Builds working knowledge of store operations standards, processes and policies in preparation for assuming leadership of Store Operations
- Partners with Sales and Store leadership to connect warehouse and delivery performance to an AMAZING in-store and in-home guest experience
- All other duties as assigned by management.
Schedule Expectations
- The VP of Operations will be scheduled for approximately 40 hours per week.
- The number of hours may increase during peak seasons or to meet business needs.
Qualifications
- BS Degree or higher in either supply chain management or business
- A minimum of 7 plus years of experience in logistics including process improvement management, 3PL management, and operations management
- Proven track record of success in a senior operational leadership role, setting strategy, leading senior leaders and delivering measurable business results
- A knowledge base in Transportation, Shuttle, Home Delivery and experience working with 3PL logistics carriers.
- Strong working knowledge of WMS systems design and functions.
- Proven experience leading operations across multiple territories, markets or locations
- Demonstrated experience leading business expansion, such as opening new markets, locations or distribution and delivery networks
- Strong day-to-day management experience leading multi-level teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- Excellent strategic planning and execution skills
- Strong financial acumen, including budget ownership, P&L understanding and capital planning
- Knowledge and understanding of 5S, 6 Sigma and LEAN principles and how to optimize these principles in process improvement
- Strong MS Computing skills, including Excel, with the ability to work with data and spreadsheets to utilize technology and develop a strong reporting system
- Preferred: Exposure to retail store operations and guest experience management
Key Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Operational Excellence
- Financial Acumen
- Executive Leadership & Delegation
- Innovation & Change Management
- Problem-Solving
- Communication