Transportation Manager

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture- Where Innovation Meets Comfort Who 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. 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 Management Oversee daily final mile delivery operations, including route planning, scheduling, and dispatch Manage delivery fleet operations ensuring vehicles are maintained, compliant, and efficiently utilized Monitor real-time delivery performance and proactively address service disruptions Coordinate with warehouse operations for seamless handoff from fulfillment to delivery Implement and maintain standard operating procedures for all final mile processes Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, safety standards, and company policies Team Leadership Recruit, train, and develop high-performing delivery drivers, dispatchers, and coordinators Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching to improve team results Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service excellence Manage staffing levels to meet fluctuating demand and seasonal volume changes Lead daily huddles to align team on priorities and performance Carrier & Vendor Management Build and maintain relationships with third-party delivery carriers and service providers Negotiate contracts and service level agreements to optimize cost and service quality Monitor carrier performance metrics and conduct regular business reviews Identify and onboard new delivery partners to expand capacity and coverage Resolve escalated issues with carriers related to service failures or billing Performance Analytics & Continuous Improvement Track and analyze KPIs including on-time delivery, cost per delivery, and customer satisfaction Identify trends, root causes of failures, and opportunities for improvement Implement process improvements and technology solutions to enhance efficiency Develop and present performance reports to senior leadership Lead cross-functional projects to optimize end-to-end fulfillment processes Customer Experience Ensure proactive customer communication about delivery windows and status updates Manage escalated customer issues and drive resolution Implement customer feedback mechanisms to improve service quality Collaborate with customer service teams on delivery-related inquiries Maintain customer satisfaction scores at or above company targets Budget & Resource Management Develop and manage annual operating budget for final mile operations Monitor daily expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities Optimize route density and delivery efficiency to reduce per-unit costs Track and report on budget variance and implement corrective actions Qualifications Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field; Preferred 5+ years of experience in logistics, transportation, or last-mile delivery operations 3+ years of people management experience leading frontline operations teams Strong understanding of route optimization, fleet management, and delivery logistics Proven track record of managing budgets and driving operational efficiency Experience with transportation management systems (TMS) and routing software Excellent analytical skills with ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions Strong communication and interpersonal skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) Preferred Qualifications Experience in retail, e-commerce, or furniture/large item delivery operations Knowledge of DOT regulations and commercial driver requirements Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certification Experience with last-mile technology platforms (Onfleet, Bringg, etc.) Familiarity with white glove delivery services and in-home setup operations Experience managing both in-house delivery teams and third-party carriers 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. Pay $75,000-$100,000 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. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. Employment Sponsorship Please note this position is not eligible for current or future employment sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or at any time in the future. #J-18808-Ljbffr