Company Overview
Ashley is a large, privately held company with integrated operations spanning furniture manufacturing, extensive distribution networks, transportation, and multi-channel retail. Our robust supply chain is the backbone of our operations, and meticulous supply planning is critical to ensuring product availability, optimizing inventory, and maintaining high service levels for our diverse customer base. We are committed to strategic excellence and leveraging advanced planning capabilities to drive competitive advantage.
Position Summary
The Senior Director of Supply Planning is a critical senior leadership role responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive supply planning operations across the entire enterprise. This individual will lead the execution of optimized production plans, inventory strategies, and material flow plans, ensuring seamless coordination between demand forecasting, manufacturing, and distribution to meet customer needs efficiently and cost-effectively for our furniture products.
This role operates within a unified Supply Chain Planning organization led by the VP Supply Chain Planning, working in close partnership with the Demand Planning team to drive integrated business planning excellence. The Senior Director will manage day-to-day supply planning operations while contributing to the strategic development of our S&OP/IBP processes and advanced planning capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Supply Planning Excellence
· Execute and optimize production planning processes for all furniture manufacturing facilities, ensuring maximum utilization of capacity, machinery, and labor resources
· Develop and manage detailed inventory policies, safety stock levels, and replenishment strategies across all raw materials (lumber, fabric, mechanisms), work-in-progress, and finished furniture goods
· Drive efficient material flow from suppliers through manufacturing to distribution and ultimately to customers
· Implement strategies to minimize excess and obsolete inventory while preventing stock-outs, particularly for long-lead-time furniture components and seasonal products
Integrated Planning & S&OP Support
· Partner closely with the Demand Planning team to ensure aligned and executable supply plans that support business objectives
· Contribute to the maturation and execution of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes under VP leadership
· Balance inventory targets, manufacturing capacity, and customer service levels to optimize working capital while meeting market demand
· Provide supply-side insights and constraints for strategic capacity planning and production scheduling decisions
Manufacturing & Supplier Coordination
· Collaborate extensively with Manufacturing leadership to align production schedules with capacity and demand forecasts, accounting for complex furniture assembly processes
· Work closely with Procurement teams to ensure supplier lead times, material availability, and production capabilities support supply plans
· Proactively identify and mitigate supply risks including raw material shortages and production line issues
· Drive supplier performance initiatives that enhance supply plan reliability and execution
Advanced Planning Systems & Analytics
· Support the implementation and optimization of Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems and supply chain planning software
· Leverage data analytics, predictive modeling, and emerging AI-driven insights to improve supply planning accuracy and efficiency
· Ensure data integrity and robust reporting for all supply planning metrics and KPIs
· Drive continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven insights and best practices
Team Leadership & Development
· Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of supply planners, inventory analysts, and planning specialists
· Foster a culture of continuous improvement, analytical rigor, and strong cross-functional collaboration
· Develop talent capabilities and succession planning within the supply planning organization
· Drive performance management and professional development for direct reports
Cross-Functional Partnership
· Maintain strong working relationships with Manufacturing, Procurement, Distribution, Transportation, Finance, and IT teams
· Support Finance in inventory valuation, working capital management, and cost optimization initiatives
· Collaborate with Distribution teams to ensure optimal logistics planning and product flow for furniture shipments
· Partner with IT on system enhancements and automation opportunities
Core Competencies
Supply Planning Expertise
· Deep expertise in developing and executing supply planning strategies in complex, multi-channel manufacturing environments, preferably furniture or durable goods
· Strong understanding of production planning, capacity management, and inventory optimization principles
· Experience with S&OP/IBP processes and cross-functional planning integration
Systems & Analytics Proficiency
· Hands-on experience with Advanced Planning Systems (APS) and supply chain planning software (SAP IBP, Kinaxis, Blue Yonder, Anaplan, Oracle)
· Strong analytical capabilities with ability to leverage data for optimization and decision-making
· Experience with forecasting models, inventory optimization techniques, and planning analytics
Leadership & Collaboration
· Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing planning teams
· Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with ability to influence without direct authority
· Experience working in integrated planning organizations with unified demand/supply leadership
Financial & Business Acumen
· Understanding of inventory valuation, working capital impact, and financial implications of planning decisions
· Ability to balance service, inventory, and cost objectives
· Experience with budgeting and financial planning processes
Communication & Problem Solving
· Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with ability to communicate complex planning concepts
· Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
· Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environment
Qualifications:
Education
· Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related quantitative field
· Master's degree (MBA or relevant advanced degree) preferred
Experience
· Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in supply chain planning, with at least 5-7 years in senior management roles
· Proven track record of leading comprehensive supply planning operations in large, complex organizations
· Experience in furniture manufacturing, durable goods, or similar complex assembly operations preferred
· Demonstrated success in improving inventory turns, service levels, forecast accuracy, and planning efficiency
Technical Skills
· Extensive hands-on experience with leading APS/supply chain planning software platforms
· Strong understanding of furniture manufacturing processes, specialized material procurement, and distribution logistics
· Experience in integrated manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations highly desirable
Certifications
· APICS CSCP, CPIM, or similar professional certifications preferred
· Lean Six Sigma certification a plus
Who Are We?
- We offer competitive pay and excellent benefits.
- We are a multi-billion-dollar company and the largest manufacturer of furniture in the world and offer one of the industry’s broadest product assortments at over 20,000 storefronts in 123 countries.
- Growth-Focused is one of our core values, and we are dedicated to helping you grow with us through training, mentoring, and coaching as well as investing in the latest design tools, production equipment and new technologies.
- Environmental efforts are a priority as we continually seek to recycle, reuse, and replenish every day.
- Millions of dollars are contributed annually to local and national charities as we seek to improve the lives of people around the world.
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.
