Manager, Learning and Professional Development

Manager, Learning and Professional Development

Design, deliver, and continuously improve enterprise-wide learning solutions that develop associates and leaders across Ashley Furniture's global organization. This strategic role combines facilitation expertise with business partnerships, working directly with senior leaders to build capabilities, close skill gaps, and strengthen leadership at all levels. Serve as both a skilled facilitator and a trusted development advisor, partnering with functional business leaders and HR to identify capability gaps, design targeted learning solutions, and deliver impactful development programs across the enterprise.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with senior leaders to identify development needs and capability gaps
• Act as a trusted Development Advisor, providing feedback on participant engagement and progress
• Identify high-potential talent for future leadership development
• Build strong, consultative relationships with internal stakeholders
• Share insights and trends on leadership capability with senior leadership

• Conduct organization-wide learning needs assessments
• Design, develop, and continuously improve leadership and professional development programs
• Maintain and evolve learning curriculum in partnership with leaders
• Create learning materials aligned to business priorities
• Collect and apply feedback to enhance learning programs

• Facilitate leadership and professional development programs (in-person and virtual)
• Deliver instruction using a variety of adult learning methods
• Plan, prepare, and execute courses with high quality standards
• Provide logistical and administrative support for program delivery
• Model best practices in adult learning and facilitation

• Manage program administration, including attendance and competency tracking
• Coordinate scheduling, enrollment, materials, facilities, and vendor support
• Ensure cost-effective delivery while maintaining quality
• Track learning metrics and maintain accurate documentation
• Manage the learning management system and blended learning tools

• Evaluate learning effectiveness through assessments, feedback, and business impact
• Analyze results and recommend improvements
• Support reporting, forecasting, and trend analysis
• Assist with pilot programs and new development initiatives

Qualifications required:

• Bachelor's degree or 5+ years of equivalent experience

• 3+ years in leadership roles
• Experience facilitating leadership or professional development programs (in-person and virtual)
• Willingness to travel domestically (limited international travel possible)
• Flexible schedule with occasional extended hours
• On-site role based in Advance, NC

• Experience in talent or organizational development
• Experience conducting needs analysis and consulting with leaders
• Experience designing learning solutions

• Certified Training Facilitator or Coach
• Behavioral assessment certifications (e.g., DiSC, 360, Emotional Intelligence)
• Learning & Development certifications (APTD, CPTD, or similar)

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.

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.