VP/SVP of Human Resources - Operations

Job Summary

The VP / SVP of Human Resources - Operations is a strategic, executive-level role responsible for setting and executing the comprehensive HR strategy for Ashley’s operational divisions in the United States: Manufacturing (approximately 6,500+ employees), Distribution (approximately 2,000+ employees), and Transportation (approximately 1,500 employees).

This leader will serve as a key business partner, reporting to the CHRO and working closely with the EVP of Manufacturing and the EVP of Distribution/Transportation to drive operational excellence, foster a high-performance, values-driven culture, and prepare the workforce for the future through strategic talent management and technology adoption, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). This role demands a dynamic, influential, and charismatic leader with superior HR expertise and a proven track record of leading large, complex, and geographically dispersed workforces.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

1. Strategic HR Leadership & Partnership

• Strategy Development: Develop, communicate, and execute a multi-year HR strategy for Operations that is directly aligned with the overall AFI/ADS business strategy, focusing on productivity, efficiency, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Executive Influence: Act as a trusted strategic advisor to the EVP of Manufacturing and EVP of Distribution/Transportation, providing expert counsel on organizational design, workforce planning, employee relations, and change management.
• Talent Acquisition & Planning: Partner with the Vice President of Talent Acquisition to oversee and enhance talent acquisition strategies to efficiently recruit, onboard, and retain high-volume, skilled operational employees and drivers, ensuring a robust pipeline for all key roles.
• Performance Management: Design and implement performance management systems that drive accountability, recognize excellence, and cultivate a performance-driven culture across all operational functions.

2. Culture, Values, and Employee Experience

• Values Leadership: Champion Ashley's Core & Growth Values throughout the operations workforce, ensuring HR policies and practices reflect the company's commitment to Honesty, Integrity, Passion, Drive, Discipline, Continuous Improvement, and “Dirty Fingernail” (our Core Values), and Leadership, Customer Centric, and Boundaryless (our Growth Values).
• Engagement & Retention: Develop and lead programs to significantly improve employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention in the manufacturing, distribution, and transportation environments.
• Charismatic Leadership: Utilize charisma and influence to inspire confidence, build strong relationships with frontline leaders and employees, and effectively navigate complex employee relations and organizational change initiatives.

3. Operational Excellence and AI Adoption

• HR Technology & Innovation: Possess deep knowledge of and champion the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies within the HR function (e.g., AI-driven recruiting, predictive analytics for turnover, optimized scheduling, enhanced training modules) to improve efficiency and employee experience.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize HR analytics and metrics (e.g., turnover, cost-per-hire, safety incidents, training effectiveness) to inform decision-making, measure program ROI, and proactively identify operational risks and opportunities.
• Total Rewards: Design and manage competitive compensation and incentive programs tailored to the unique labor markets of manufacturing, distribution, and transportation, ensuring programs foster commitment and drive results.
• Compliance & Risk: Ensure complete federal, state, and local regulatory compliance across all operational HR practices, mitigating legal and financial risks, especially in areas like DOT regulations and manufacturing safety.

Core Competencies:

Strategic HR Knowledge Superiority

Deep, comprehensive expertise across all HR disciplines with proven ability to translate business strategy into executable HR action plans.

Charisma and Executive Presence

An inspiring, approachable, and authentic leader who can build rapport quickly, communicate effectively at all levels, and galvanize large, diverse teams toward a common goal.

Influence and Negotiation

Exceptional ability to persuade, build consensus among executive peers and operational VPs, and effectively manage complex employee relations matters.

Operations Acumen

A strong understanding of the business drivers, processes, challenges, and cultural dynamics within large-scale, high-volume manufacturing, logistics, and transportation environments.

AI and Digital HR Leadership

Demonstrable knowledge of current and emerging AI applications in HR and operations; a forward-thinking mindset for adopting technology to drive efficiency and organizational capability.

Talent Architect

Proven ability to design and implement superior leadership development, succession planning, and performance systems tailored for a blue-collar and driver workforce.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5 years in a Senior Vice President, VP, or CHRO role leading HR for a large-scale, multi-site operational organization (manufacturing, distribution, logistics, or similar industrial environment).
• Mandatory experience supporting a workforce of 5,000+ employees, including significant experience with non-exempt, hourly, and driver populations.
• Proven track record of success in transforming HR organizations and leading significant change management efforts.
• Demonstrable experience with and understanding of leveraging technology, data analytics, and Artificial Intelligence in the HR function.
• Travel is required to visit all facilities.

***If you apply to this posting, please make sure to complete the following Wonderlic assessment. Only applicants who complete the assessment will be considered for the position.

https://apply.select.wonderlic.com/479NU9/Ashley-Furniture

This is an onsite, in-office role based in Advance, NC. This is not a hybrid or remote position. Relocation is provided to any out of state candidates willing to relocate. These terms are non-negotiable.