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.
Senior Director, Supply Chain Planning
Location : Corporate Headquarters On site, Tampa FL
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 objectivesContribute to the maturation and execution of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) processes under VP leadershipBalance inventory targets, manufacturing capacity, and customer service levels to optimize working capital while meeting market demandProvide supply-side insights and constraints for strategic capacity planning and production scheduling decisionsManufacturing & Supplier Coordination
Collaborate extensively with Manufacturing leadership to align production schedules with capacity and demand forecasts, accounting for complex furniture assembly processesWork closely with Procurement teams to ensure supplier lead times, material availability, and production capabilities support supply plansProactively identify and mitigate supply risks including raw material shortages and production line issuesDrive supplier performance initiatives that enhance supply plan reliability and executionAdvanced Planning Systems & Analytics
Support the implementation and optimization of Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems and supply chain planning softwareLeverage data analytics, predictive modeling, and emerging AI-driven insights to improve supply planning accuracy and efficiencyEnsure data integrity and robust reporting for all supply planning metrics and KPIsDrive continuous improvement initiatives using data-driven insights and best practicesTeam Leadership & Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of supply planners, inventory analysts, and planning specialistsFoster a culture of continuous improvement, analytical rigor, and strong cross-functional collaborationDevelop talent capabilities and succession planning within the supply planning organizationDrive performance management and professional development for direct reportsCross-Functional Partnership
Maintain strong working relationships with Manufacturing, Procurement, Distribution, Transportation, Finance, and IT teamsSupport Finance in inventory valuation, working capital management, and cost optimization initiativesCollaborate with Distribution teams to ensure optimal logistics planning and product flow for furniture shipmentsPartner with IT on system enhancements and automation opportunitiesCore Competencies
Supply Planning Expertise
Deep expertise in developing and executing supply planning strategies in complex, multi-channel manufacturing environments, preferably furniture or durable goodsStrong understanding of production planning, capacity management, and inventory optimization principlesExperience with S&OP / IBP processes and cross-functional planning integrationSystems & 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-makingExperience with forecasting models, inventory optimization techniques, and planning analyticsLeadership & Collaboration
Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing planning teamsStrong cross-functional collaboration skills with ability to influence without direct authorityExperience working in integrated planning organizations with unified demand / supply leadershipFinancial & Business Acumen
Understanding of inventory valuation, working capital impact, and financial implications of planning decisionsAbility to balance service, inventory, and cost objectivesExperience with budgeting and financial planning processesCommunication & Problem Solving
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills with ability to communicate complex planning conceptsStrong analytical and problem-solving capabilitiesAbility to work effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environmentQualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related quantitative fieldMaster's degree (MBA or relevant advanced degree) preferredExperience
Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in supply chain planning, with at least 5-7 years in senior management rolesProven track record of leading comprehensive supply planning operations in large, complex organizationsExperience in furniture manufacturing, durable goods, or similar complex assembly operations preferredDemonstrated success in improving inventory turns, service levels, forecast accuracy, and planning efficiencyTechnical Skills
Extensive hands-on experience with leading APS / supply chain planning software platformsStrong understanding of furniture manufacturing processes, specialized material procurement, and distribution logisticsExperience in integrated manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations highly desirableCertifications
APICS CSCP, CPIM, or similar professional certifications preferredLean Six Sigma certification a plusKey Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Operational Excellence
Inventory Turns / Days of Supply : Continuous improvement in inventory efficiencyProduction Plan Attainment : Percentage of scheduled production completed as plannedSupply Plan Accuracy : Accuracy of supply forecasts against actual production requirementsManufacturing Capacity Utilization : Optimization of production capacity based on planningService & Quality
Finished Goods Availability : Contribution to overall customer service level achievementSupply Plan Execution : On-time delivery of materials and production schedulesNew Product Launch Support : Supply readiness for new product introductionsFinancial Impact
Excess & Obsolete Inventory Reduction : Minimization of aged and unsaleable inventoryWorking Capital Optimization : Contribution to overall inventory investment efficiencySupply Planning Cost Management : Operational efficiency of planning functionProcess & Team Development
S&OP / IBP Process Contribution : Support for overall planning process maturityTeam