Transportation Manager (Final Mile)

Transportation ManagerBuild Your Career with Ashley Furniture- Where Innovation Meets ComfortWho We Are: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: Are you passionate about last-mile logistics and delivering exceptional customer experiences? Ashley Furniture is seeking a dynamic Transportation Manager to lead our delivery operations at our retail fulfillment center. In this critical role, you'll oversee route optimization, carrier partnerships, delivery team management, and ensure every customer receives their furniture on time and with care.Responsibilities:Operations ManagementOversee daily final mile delivery operations, including route planning, scheduling, and dispatchManage delivery fleet operations ensuring vehicles are maintained, compliant, and efficiently utilizedMonitor real-time delivery performance and proactively address service disruptionsCoordinate with warehouse operations for seamless handoff from fulfillment to deliveryImplement and maintain standard operating procedures for all final mile processesEnsure compliance with DOT regulations, safety standards, and company policiesTeam LeadershipRecruit, train, and develop high-performing delivery drivers, dispatchers, and coordinatorsConduct performance evaluations and provide coaching to improve team resultsFoster a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service excellenceManage staffing levels to meet fluctuating demand and seasonal volume changesLead daily huddles to align team on priorities and performanceCarrier & Vendor ManagementBuild and maintain relationships with third-party delivery carriers and service providersNegotiate contracts and service level agreements to optimize cost and service qualityMonitor carrier performance metrics and conduct regular business reviewsIdentify and onboard new delivery partners to expand capacity and coverageResolve escalated issues with carriers related to service failures or billingPerformance Analytics & Continuous ImprovementTrack and analyze KPIs including on-time delivery, cost per delivery, and customer satisfactionIdentify trends, root causes of failures, and opportunities for improvementImplement process improvements and technology solutions to enhance efficiencyDevelop and present performance reports to senior leadershipLead cross-functional projects to optimize end-to-end fulfillment processesCustomer ExperienceEnsure proactive customer communication about delivery windows and status updatesManage escalated customer issues and drive resolutionImplement customer feedback mechanisms to improve service qualityCollaborate with customer service teams on delivery-related inquiriesMaintain customer satisfaction scores at or above company targetsBudget & Resource ManagementDevelop and manage annual operating budget for final mile operationsMonitor daily expenses and identify cost-saving opportunitiesOptimize route density and delivery efficiency to reduce per-unit costsTrack and report on budget variance and implement corrective actionsQualifications:Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field; Preferred5+ years of experience in logistics, transportation, or last-mile delivery operations3+ years of people management experience leading frontline operations teamsStrong understanding of route optimization, fleet management, and delivery logisticsProven track record of managing budgets and driving operational efficiencyExperience with transportation management systems (TMS) and routing softwareExcellent analytical skills with ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisionsStrong communication and interpersonal skillsProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)Preferred QualificationsExperience in retail, e-commerce, or furniture/large item delivery operationsKnowledge of DOT regulations and commercial driver requirementsLean Six Sigma or other process improvement certificationExperience with last-mile technology platforms (Onfleet, Bringg, etc.)Familiarity with white glove delivery services and in-home setup operationsExperience managing both in-house delivery teams and third-party carriersWork 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: $75,000-$100,000Benefits We Offer:Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance ProgramPaid Time Off; increases with years of serviceGenerous Employee Discount on home furnishingsProfessional Development OpportunitiesTuition AssistanceAshley Wellness Centers (location specific)401(k) and Profit SharingLife InsuranceOur 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.