Inventory Specialist

Inventory Specialist

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture - Where Innovation Meets Comfort

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 Inventory Specialist is a detail-oriented professional responsible for maintaining accurate inventory levels, ensuring efficient warehouse operations, and supporting our commitment to delivering quality furniture to our customers. This role monitors inventory counts across all warehouse locations, performs cycle counts, reconciles discrepancies, and generates reports on stock levels. The Inventory Specialist coordinates with receiving and shipping departments, analyzes inventory trends, and identifies opportunities to streamline inventory processes while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and efficiency.

Responsibilities:

Inventory Management

• Monitor and maintain accurate inventory counts across all warehouse locations to ensure inventory integrity
• Perform regular cycle counts and reconcile discrepancies between physical counts and system records
• Update inventory management systems with receipt and shipment information in real-time
• Track inventory movement and generate reports on stock levels, inventory accuracy, and location status
• Identify and report slow-moving or obsolete inventory to support inventory optimization efforts
• Investigate and resolve inventory variances through root cause analysis and corrective action implementation
• Maintain accurate inventory records by processing adjustments, transfers, and corrections in the WMS

Warehouse Operations

• Coordinate with receiving and shipping departments to ensure accurate documentation and seamless material flow
• Verify incoming shipments against purchase orders and inspect for quality, quantity, and damage
• Process inventory adjustments and investigate variances to maintain inventory accuracy targets
• Maintain organized storage areas to optimize space utilization and improve picking efficiency
• Ensure proper labeling and location identification of all inventory items in accordance with warehouse standards
• Support physical inventory counts and coordinate count activities across warehouse zones
• Collaborate with warehouse operations team to resolve inventory issues and minimize disruptions

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Generate daily, weekly, and monthly inventory reports including accuracy metrics, cycle count results, and variance analysis
• Analyze inventory trends and recommend improvements to inventory management processes and policies
• Monitor reorder points and collaborate with purchasing team to prevent stockouts and excess inventory
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory accuracy, cycle count completion, and variance reduction
• Provide data-driven insights to support decision-making for inventory optimization and warehouse efficiency
• Create dashboards and visual reports to communicate inventory performance to management

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline inventory processes and eliminate waste through continuous improvement methodologies
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives including kaizen events and process mapping exercises
• Recommend and implement best practices for inventory control, cycle counting, and accuracy improvement
• Support implementation of new inventory management technologies and warehouse automation solutions
• Document standard operating procedures and train team members on inventory management processes

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Minimum 2 years of experience in inventory management or warehouse operations
• Proficiency with inventory management systems and warehouse management software (WMS)
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and formulas
• Familiarity with barcode scanning and RF (radio frequency) devices
• Basic understanding of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record-keeping
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving abilities and data interpretation skills
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to collaborate across departments
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods
• Ability to work 12-hour shifts in a warehouse environment with varying temperatures.

Additional Qualifications, Preferred:

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Logistics, or related field
• 3+ years of inventory management experience in furniture, retail, or manufacturing industry
• Experience with SAP, Manhattan, or similar enterprise warehouse management systems
• Forklift certification and experience operating warehouse equipment
• Knowledge of cycle counting methodologies and inventory accuracy improvement techniques
• Lean or Six Sigma certification with process improvement experience
• Understanding of inventory control principles including ABC analysis, safety stock, and reorder point calculations
• Experience with inventory reconciliation, variance investigation, and root cause analysis
• Familiarity with FIFO/LIFO inventory methods and inventory valuation
• Proficiency with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau

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. May require use of forklifts or other warehouse equipment (certification provided).

Schedule:

Shift Hours: Monday- Friday 7:00am-4:30pm

Pay:

$19.00 - $23.00/hour (depending on experience)

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

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