Job Description

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 largest manufacturer of home furnishings in the world, we’re more than a business…we’re family. We’re problem solvers with the grit to persevere during challenging times and innovators who won't coast when times are good. We create solutions, not excuses, and never settle for the status quo. It’s the reason we’re always searching for better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. That's why Ashley Furniture is #1 in our industry.

If you're ready to grow, you've come to the right place. Ashley Furniture has a Growth Mindset, and once you join our team, you'll 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 Senior Transportation Manager provides strategic leadership for Ashley’s transportation operations, managing multi-site networks, fleets, and carrier relationships to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of goods. This role oversees transportation leaders and teams (Driver Managers, dispatch, routing, logistics coordinators), drives continuous improvement in service and cost, and ensures full compliance with DOT/FMCSA regulations, hours of service (HOS), and company policies. The Senior Transportation Manager partners with Distribution, Customer Service, Planning, and Finance to align transportation strategies with business objectives and customer expectations.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Network Management

• Develop and execute transportation strategies that align with organizational goals for service, cost, and growth.
• Oversee multi-region or multi-DC transportation operations, including linehaul, regional, and last-mile delivery networks.
• Design and optimize lanes, routes, and delivery patterns to improve on-time performance, reduce miles, and enhance asset utilization.
• Lead annual transportation planning, including capacity strategies, mode selection, and network changes.
• Benchmark performance against industry standards and implement best practices across the network.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead and mentor transportation leadership teams (Transportation Managers, Driver Managers, Dispatch Supervisors, Coordinators).
• Set clear expectations for safety, service, productivity, and behavior; hold leaders and teams accountable.
• Conduct performance reviews for direct reports, provide coaching and development plans, and build succession pipelines.
• Develop and implement training programs for transportation staff on systems, safety, customer service, and operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all transportation functions.

Operations & Fleet Management

• Oversee daily transportation operations including dispatch, routing, load planning, and driver scheduling.
• Manage company fleets and/or contracted carriers to ensure efficient and reliable service.
• Monitor driver and asset utilization, capacity, and productivity; adjust plans to meet demand and service requirements.
• Partner with Fleet Maintenance leadership to ensure vehicle reliability, safety, and availability.
• Ensure adherence to DOT/FMCSA regulations, HOS, driver qualification standards, and company safety policies.
• Support and oversee initiatives related to driver retention, engagement, and performance.

Carrier & Vendor Management

• Develop and manage relationships with third-party carriers, brokers, and transportation service providers.
• Negotiate contracts, rates, and service level agreements to balance cost and service quality.
• Monitor carrier performance metrics including on-time delivery, damage rates, claims, and cost per mile.
• Conduct regular business reviews with carriers and implement performance improvement plans where necessary.
• Identify and onboard new carriers to support capacity needs and strategic initiatives.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture throughout the transportation organization.
• Ensure full compliance with DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and other applicable regulations.
• Oversee monitoring of HOS, ELD usage, driver logs, inspections, and incident reporting.
• Review safety performance data (accidents, violations, near-misses) and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Work closely with Safety teams on training, audits, and regulatory updates.

Financial Management & Performance Monitoring

• Lead transportation budget development and manage financial performance (labor, fuel, maintenance, linehaul, accessorials).
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) including cost per mile, cost per delivery, utilization, on-time performance, and safety metrics.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency gains through improved routing, consolidation, mode shifts, and vendor negotiations.
• Prepare and present financial and operational reports, forecasts, and business cases to senior leadership.
• Ensure transportation decisions support overall P&L objectives and long-term growth strategies.

Systems, Technology & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee use and optimization of Transportation Management Systems (TMS), routing software, telematics, and other logistics technologies.
• Partner with IT and systems teams to drive enhancements, integrations, and reporting improvements.
• Use data analytics, CQI, Lean, and Six Sigma methods to identify issues and implement solutions.
• Lead or sponsor continuous improvement initiatives focused on service, cost, and efficiency.
• Explore and evaluate emerging technologies (e.g., advanced telematics, EVs, automation, AI-based planning) for potential adoption.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Distribution Operations, Planning, Customer Service, Sales, Procurement, and Finance to ensure end-to-end supply chain alignment.
• Support new business initiatives, network changes, and strategic projects with transportation input and leadership.
• Serve as escalation point for major service issues, customer concerns, or operational disruptions.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with internal stakeholders on transportation performance, risks, and initiatives.

Core Values Demonstration

• Demonstrate the Company’s Core and Growth Values in the performance of all job functions.
• Use a “Dirty Fingernail” approach by going to the work, understanding the current state, and making grounded decisions.
• Challenge current ways of operating that inhibit growth and organize transportation work to meet evolving customer needs.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in transportation or logistics operations.
• Minimum 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing large-scale transportation or fleet operations.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-site or multi-region transportation networks.
• Strong knowledge of DOT/FMCSA regulations, HOS, and transportation safety practices.
• Proven experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS), routing software, and telematics tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven decision-making style.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence and collaborate across all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field.
• Experience in furniture, retail, manufacturing distribution, or similar environment.
• Experience managing a combination of dedicated fleets and third-party carriers.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).
• Experience with fleet electrification, alternative fuels, or sustainability-focused transportation initiatives.
• Project management experience or PMP certification.
• CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) or prior commercial driving experience (helpful but not required).

Work Environment

This role operates in a combination of office and operations environments. The position involves working in a climate-controlled office for planning, reporting, and leadership activities, as well as periodic visits to distribution centers, yards, and operational sites that may involve exposure to outdoor weather, moderate to high noise levels, and material handling equipment. Occasional travel is required to support regional operations, carrier meetings, and strategic projects.

Pay

Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications. (Specific pay range and any applicable state pay transparency details to be provided by recruiter.)

Benefits We Offer

• Health, Dental, Vision, 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
• Passion, Drive, Discipline
• Continuous Improvement / Operational Excellence
• Dirty Fingernail
• Growth Focused

Learn More

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. 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 may not be 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, as applicable to the posting.