Senior Operations Manager

Senior Operations Manager – Bedding The Senior Operations Manager will direct daily activities of Operations Managers and Supervisors across multiple shifts at our bedding and foam manufacturing plant. You will optimize our bedding and foam manufacturing operations. This critical leadership position will oversee all aspects of plant operations, driving efficiency, quality, and safety while meeting production targets and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Primary Job Functions Operations & Production Management Maintain all disciplines across multiple shifts for Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), audits, safety, and housekeeping Provide quality parts/product to ensure daily and weekly production schedules are consistently met Coordinate with maintenance teams to keep machines, tools, and assembly lines operating at peak efficiency Collaborate with Industrial Engineering to establish correct incentive standards on machines and assembly lines Plan forward capacity by working with purchasing and inventory control to achieve and maintain product flow that meets production and financial objectives Quality & Process Improvement Partner with Product Quality Teams to maintain SOPs, conduct audits, and ensure the highest quality of parts and finished products Work with Product Quality Team and Lean Six Sigma professionals to drive continuous process quality improvements Collaborate with Production & Inventory Control (P&IC), Manufacturing Engineering, and Maintenance to enhance machine capabilities, improve tooling, and achieve cost reduction targets Reduce waste by optimizing the five key inputs to the manufacturing process Lead efforts to develop new processes and improve products by working with internal customers, suppliers, and domestic/overseas vendors Safety & Environmental Management Partner with Environmental and Clean Up teams to maintain an optimal work environment throughout the plant Ensure shift personnel adhere to the highest standards of shop floor organization and plant cleanliness Champion workplace safety initiatives and compliance across all shifts Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and develop Operations Managers, Supervisors, and production personnel across multiple shifts Make employment decisions and recommendations on hiring, improvement plans, transfers, promotions, corrective actions, terminations, and pay adjustments Coordinate and manage the work of employees by directing team members to meet departmental and plant goals Ensure performance reviews are completed, define clear goals, and participate in administering performance evaluations Participate in compensation review processes for all levels of staff Manage employee performance and assist team members in improving through coaching, mentoring, and performance reviews Recommend, plan, and implement employee training and skill development activities Audit, maintain, and ensure employee time‑keeping and absentee records are accurate Communication & Collaboration Audit regularly to ensure standard operating procedures are being followed consistently Communicate company and departmental issues and goals effectively Facilitate employee growth and development through weekly team meetings, regular individual employee meetings, coaching, training, and company‑offered learning opportunities Manage resources to optimize equipment, facilities, employees, methods, and materials Financial Management Oversee and maintain budget for functional area Drive cost‑effective operations while meeting quality and production targets Company Values Demonstrate Ashley Furniture's Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions Required Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (Master's degree preferred) 7‑10+ years of progressive operations management experience in manufacturing environments 5+ years of experience in bedding, foam, furniture, or related manufacturing industries, preferred Proven track record managing large‑scale manufacturing operations across multiple shifts Demonstrated experience leading and developing operations teams and supervisors Technical Skills Deep understanding of foam manufacturing processes, including cutting, laminating, and assembly operations Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies Experience with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) development and implementation Proficiency with ERP systems, production planning software, and data analytics tools Experience with automated manufacturing equipment and production technologies Strong understanding of incentive standards and industrial engineering principles Preferred Qualifications Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt certification Lean Manufacturing certification Experience with polyurethane foam production processes Knowledge of mattress or bedding manufacturing processes Benefits We Offer Health, Dental, Vision, and Employee Assistance Program Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday off Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings Professional Development Opportunities Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific) and Medical Tourism Telehealth 401(k) and Profit Sharing Life Insurance Our Core Values Honesty & Integrity Without hesitation, he uses candor and is direct in communication Is tough‑minded in working in and meeting the demands of reality Always tells the truth and follows through on commitments Passion, Drive, Discipline Enjoys working hard and pursues work with energy, drive, and willpower to finish Is disciplined in developing consistency into work processes Is focused and relentless in achieving goals Continuous Improvement/Operational Excellence Fights to take costs and waste out of the system Seeks to understand "why" something works the way it does, and through study and improvement determines how to better all processes and systems. Strives for more in all areas of work by developing measurements, setting goals, and then working on ways to exceed goals through problem‑solving methods that look beyond the obvious Dirty Fingernail Does not rely on reports to run the business, but rather goes to the work that is being done and sees if the work is being done right for him/herself. Has an insatiable curiosity and takes a "Go and See" approach to understand the current state of the business and the competitive realities Takes a hands‑on approach to tackle problems and demonstrates critical thinking through use of effective questioning…asking the 5 "Whys" Growth Focused Understands the customer’s needs and wants, then challenges current ways of doing business that inhibits growth and organizes work to meet those needs Is competitive by studying the competition and is aggressive in looking for ways to beat them Strives to be the BEST by improving the quality of processes, reducing costs, doing more business, being profitable, and growing the business About To learn more about Ashley Furniture, our community engagement programs, environmental stewardship, and our core values, please visit our Corporate Social Responsibility information page: Corporate Social Responsibility. 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. Principals Only. #J-18808-Ljbffr