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.

If you are a current Ashley employee: Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board.

Summary:

The Transportation Manager - Final Mile Delivery is a dynamic leader responsible for overseeing last-mile delivery operations at our retail fulfillment center, ensuring every customer receives their furniture on time and with exceptional care. This critical role oversees route optimization, carrier partnerships, delivery team management, and fleet operations while driving continuous improvement in service quality and operational efficiency. The Transportation Manager leads daily final mile delivery operations including route planning, scheduling, dispatch, and real-time performance monitoring while managing both in-house delivery teams and third-party carrier relationships to deliver outstanding customer experiences.

Responsibilities:

Operations Management

• Oversee daily final mile delivery operations including route planning, scheduling, and dispatch to ensure on-time and accurate deliveries
• Manage delivery fleet operations ensuring vehicles are maintained, compliant with DOT regulations, and efficiently utilized
• Monitor real-time delivery performance and proactively address service disruptions to minimize customer impact
• Coordinate with warehouse operations for seamless handoff from fulfillment to delivery, ensuring accuracy and efficiency
• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures for all final mile processes to drive consistency and quality
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, safety standards, OSHA requirements, and company policies across all delivery operations
• Optimize route density and delivery efficiency to reduce per-unit costs and maximize productivity
• Manage delivery capacity planning to meet fluctuating demand and seasonal volume changes

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, and develop high-performing delivery drivers, dispatchers, and coordinators to build organizational capability
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching to improve team results and individual development
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and customer service excellence throughout the delivery organization
• Manage staffing levels to meet fluctuating demand and seasonal volume changes while controlling labor costs
• Lead daily huddles to align team on priorities, performance goals, and operational updates
• Make employment decisions and recommendations on hiring, promotions, corrective actions, and terminations
• Create a positive work environment that promotes engagement, retention, and high performance
• Provide ongoing training on safety procedures, customer service standards, and delivery best practices

Carrier & Vendor Management

• Build and maintain relationships with third-party delivery carriers and service providers to ensure reliable capacity and service
• Negotiate contracts and service level agreements to optimize cost and service quality
• Monitor carrier performance metrics including on-time delivery, damage rates, and customer satisfaction, and conduct regular business reviews
• Identify and onboard new delivery partners to expand capacity, coverage areas, and service capabilities
• Resolve escalated issues with carriers related to service failures, billing disputes, or quality concerns
• Manage carrier invoicing, payment processing, and financial reconciliation
• Implement carrier scorecards and performance improvement plans when necessary

Performance Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Track and analyze KPIs including on-time delivery, cost per delivery, customer satisfaction, and first-time completion rates
• Identify trends, root causes of failures, and opportunities for improvement through data analysis
• Implement process improvements and technology solutions to enhance efficiency and customer experience
• Develop and present performance reports to senior leadership with actionable insights and recommendations
• Lead cross-functional projects to optimize end-to-end fulfillment processes from warehouse to customer doorstep
• Benchmark best practices and implement innovative solutions to drive competitive advantage
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies

Customer Experience

• Ensure proactive customer communication about delivery windows, status updates, and any changes to scheduled deliveries
• Manage escalated customer issues and drive resolution to maintain satisfaction and brand reputation
• Implement customer feedback mechanisms to improve service quality and identify areas for improvement
• Collaborate with customer service teams on delivery-related inquiries, concerns, and service recovery
• Maintain customer satisfaction scores at or above company targets
• Monitor customer reviews and feedback to identify trends and improvement opportunities
• Implement white-glove delivery standards and in-home setup procedures to exceed customer expectations

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage annual operating budget for final mile operations including labor, fuel, maintenance, and carrier costs
• Monitor daily expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality
• Optimize route density and delivery efficiency to reduce per-unit costs and improve profitability
• Track and report on budget variance and implement corrective actions to stay on target
• Forecast future costs and resource needs based on volume projections and business growth
• Manage capital expenditures for fleet vehicles, equipment, and technology investments

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required
• Minimum 5 years of experience in logistics, transportation, or last-mile delivery operations
• Minimum 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 with ability to lead teams and manage vendor relationships
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) with advanced Excel skills preferred
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, vehicle safety requirements, and driver qualification standards
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays as operational needs require
• Strong problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments
• Customer-focused mindset with commitment to service excellence

Additional Qualifications, Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in retail, e-commerce, or furniture/large item delivery operations
• Experience managing both in-house delivery teams and third-party carrier networks
• Knowledge of DOT regulations and commercial driver requirements including CDL standards
• Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• Experience with last-mile technology platforms such as Onfleet, Bringg, Dispatch, or similar routing and tracking systems
• Familiarity with white-glove delivery services and in-home setup operations for furniture and large items
• Understanding of home delivery challenges including narrow streets, apartment deliveries, and access restrictions
• Experience with fleet telematics, GPS tracking, and driver performance monitoring systems
• Background in P&L management and financial analysis
• Project management certification or experience leading large-scale operational projects
• Experience with labor management systems and productivity measurement

Work Environment:

This position operates in a combination of climate-controlled office environments and active distribution/delivery operations. The role includes time in an office for administrative work, planning, and meetings, as well as time in warehouse dock areas and delivery yards with moderate noise levels and material handling equipment. The position may require occasional ride-alongs with delivery teams to assess service quality and coaching opportunities. Physical requirements include ability to walk warehouse and yard areas, climb into delivery vehicles for inspections, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. The role requires flexibility to work varied hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays to support delivery operations.

Pay:

Competitive compensation based on experience

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.

Interested in learning more about Ashley Furniture's Community Engagement programs, Environmental Stewardship, or our Core Values, click the links below:

• Corporate Social Responsibility (https://www.ashleyfurniture.com/corporate-social-responsibility/)
• View Our Corporate Brochure (https://www.ashleyfurniture.com/corporate-brochure/)

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.

Notice to Search Firms: We are not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. We will not pay any placement, referral or other fees to any search firms unless we have agreed otherwise in a valid, written agreement for the specific position posted and signed by an authorized representative of Ashley Furniture Industries.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.