Transformation Portfolio Lead

Ashley Furniture is a leading global furniture manufacturer and retailer committed to delivering quality home furnishings and exceptional value to our customers. As we continue to grow and evolve, we're investing in enterprise transformation initiatives that will shape the future of how we operate and serve our customers. Job Summary The Transformation Portfolio Lead is a senior delivery leader within Ashley's Transformation Management Office (TMO), accountable for driving clarity, alignment, and results across a portfolio of Ashley's highest-priority transformation initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Transformation, this role operates at the intersection of strategy and execution, shaping ambiguous direction into executable plans and ensuring disciplined delivery with measurable enterprise impact. The Transformation Portfolio Lead partners directly with executive sponsors and cross-functional initiative owners to drive decisions, manage tradeoffs, and resolve risks across complex, interdependent initiatives where outcomes materially affect enterprise performance. This role is designed for experienced leaders with strong execution discipline and the credibility to operate effectively with senior executives as Ashley's transformation scales. The Transformation Portfolio Lead leads initiatives with honesty, integrity, passion, and accountability. Key Responsibilities Lead execution across a portfolio of complex, cross-functional transformation initiatives aligned to Ashley's enterprise strategy Translate strategic objectives into clear, executable roadmaps with defined milestones, dependencies, and success metrics Maintain delivery confidence across initiatives by proactively identifying risks, issues, and constraints, and driving resolution in partnership with initiative owners Manage interdependencies across projects and escalate tradeoffs and conflicts as needed to ensure overall portfolio progress Strategy Shaping & Executive Problem Solving Frame and drive executive decision-making by developing clear options, implications, and recommendations across priority transformation initiatives Partner with executives to structure ambiguous or partially defined strategic problems into actionable hypotheses, workplans, and delivery roadmaps Facilitate working sessions with senior leaders to clarify objectives, success measures, and tradeoffs where strategy is still being developed Pressure-test strategic direction through execution insights, surfacing risks, gaps, and dependencies that inform refinement of strategy over time Project Execution & Rigor Own end-to-end project management for assigned initiatives, from initiation through delivery and stabilization Develop and maintain integrated project plans, timelines, risk and issue logs, and dependency maps Drive disciplined execution practices while adapting delivery approaches to fit initiative complexity and maturity Stakeholder & Executive Engagement Own preparation of executive-level recommendations and decision materials for governance forums, including tradeoffs, risks, and implications Partner closely with executive sponsors to support decision-making and serve as a trusted execution partner to initiative owners, providing structure, challenge, and support Facilitate working sessions, milestone reviews, and problem-solving discussions with cross-functional teams Value, Outcomes & Accountability Own integration of financial, operational, and change considerations into a coherent view of initiative impact and tradeoffs at the portfolio level Collaborate with finance, analytics, and change partners to track progress against value and adoption targets TMO Contribution & Capability Building Contribute to continuous improvement of TMO standards, tools, and ways of working Serve as a role model for disciplined delivery, strong stakeholder engagement, and enterprise mindset Core Competencies Aligned to Ashley Values Successful leaders at Ashley consistently demonstrate: Integrity & Transparency – Forthright, honest communication and ethical decision-making Execution Discipline – Relentless follow-through and attention to detail Hands-On Ownership – Willingness to "get dirty," inspect work, and solve real problems Leadership at Every Level – Ability to lead initiatives and influence outcomes regardless of title Customer & Business Mindset – Focus on delivering what is promised and driving measurable impact Boundaryless Collaboration – Works for the greater good of the enterprise, not functional silos Continuous Improvement – Learns the business deeply and improves how work gets done Qualifications Education Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, Finance, or a related field required MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred Experience Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in project, program, or transformation delivery roles; 10+ years preferred Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives in large, matrixed organizations Experience working directly with senior leaders and executive stakeholders Experience managing multiple initiatives simultaneously with competing priorities Preferred Background Profiles (one or more): Experience in management consulting leadership (e.g., Engagement Manager / Project Leader–level roles), with exposure to leading workstreams, managing teams, and delivering transformation programs Experience in a Project Management Office or Transformation Office at a large enterprise, with exposure to formal governance, tooling, and portfolio management practices Experience in private equity, value creation, or portfolio operations roles, with a strong lens on execution, financial impact, and accountability Skills Ability to structure ambiguous problems and help define direction in partnership with senior leaders Strong strategic thinking skills, with the discipline to translate strategy into executable plans Comfort operating in environments where strategy is evolving and clarity emerges through action Experience supporting or contributing to strategy development through analysis, facilitation, and execution insight Ability to develop "quick-and-dirty" financial models to estimate initiative impact, sensitivities, and tradeoffs, enabling rapid, data-informed decision-making across the transformation portfolio Ability to synthesize disparate inputs and perspectives into coherent recommendations for senior stakeholders Strong project and program management discipline, with the ability to bring structure to complex, ambiguous initiatives Ability to think across initiatives and manage dependencies at a portfolio level Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentations What We Offer Competitive compensation package Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match Collaborative and innovative work environment Opportunity to shape enterprise transformation at a leading global brand Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Ashley Furniture is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Ashley Furniture Industries