Ashley Furniture Store Careers

Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc., is a leading name in the furniture industry, renowned for its diverse and stylish offerings. Beyond its successful business ventures, Ashley Furniture also offers an array of career opportunities, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a rewarding and dynamic professional path.

Ashley Furniture: A Global Furniture Empire

Ashley Furniture, headquartered in Arcadia, Wisconsin, is the largest furniture manufacturer in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Founded in 1945 by Carlton and Agnes Ashley, the company has grown exponentially over the years, becoming a global leader in furniture design, manufacturing, and retail.

With a presence in over 123 countries and more than 800 retail stores across North America, Ashley Furniture's success is not just about its extensive product range, but also its commitment to innovation, quality, and, most importantly, its people.

A Diverse Career Landscape at Ashley Furniture

Ashley Furniture’s vast global operations present a plethora of career opportunities across various sectors. From product development and design to manufacturing and logistics, the company offers a wide range of roles suited to different skill sets and interests.

Product Development and Design

Ashley Furniture’s product development team is at the forefront of furniture innovation. This team works tirelessly to create the next big thing in furniture design, ensuring the company stays ahead of the curve in terms of style, functionality, and market trends.

Roles within this department include:

• Furniture Designers: These professionals are responsible for conceptualizing and creating unique furniture designs. They must have a keen eye for detail, an understanding of market trends, and the ability to translate concepts into manufacturable products.
• Product Developers: Product developers work closely with designers to bring concepts to life. They oversee the entire product development process, from initial design to final production, ensuring that the product meets quality standards and is market-ready.
• Material Specialists: Material specialists source and select the materials used in furniture production. They must have expertise in various materials, from fabrics and leathers to woods and metals, and understand their applications and limitations.

Manufacturing and Operations

Ashley Furniture's manufacturing and operations departments are responsible for the actual production of furniture. This involves a complex process of cutting, shaping, assembling, and finishing, all of which require skilled professionals.

Key roles in this sector include:

• Manufacturing Engineers: These engineers oversee the manufacturing process, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety. They work to optimize production processes, implement new technologies, and train staff to use them effectively.
• Production Supervisors: Production supervisors manage the day-to-day operations of manufacturing facilities. They are responsible for overseeing staff, ensuring quality control, and maintaining production schedules.
• Quality Control Inspectors: Quality control inspectors play a critical role in ensuring that all products meet Ashley Furniture's high standards. They inspect furniture at various stages of production, identifying and rectifying any defects.

Retail and Sales

With over 800 retail stores across North America, Ashley Furniture offers numerous career opportunities in the retail and sales sector. This includes roles in store management, sales, and customer service.

Some key roles include:

• Store Managers: Store managers are responsible for the overall operation of an Ashley Furniture store. They oversee staff, manage inventory, and ensure that the store meets sales targets and provides an exceptional customer experience.
• Sales Associates: Sales associates are the face of Ashley Furniture to its customers. They assist customers in selecting furniture, provide product information, and ensure a smooth sales process.
• Customer Service Representatives: Customer service representatives handle customer inquiries, provide post-sales support, and ensure customer satisfaction. They play a vital role in building and maintaining Ashley Furniture's reputation.

Logistics and Supply Chain

Ashley Furniture's vast network of suppliers and retail stores relies on a robust logistics and supply chain system. This department is responsible for the efficient movement of goods from suppliers to stores, ensuring that products are available when and where they are needed.

Key roles in this department include:

• Logistics Managers: Logistics managers oversee the entire supply chain process, from ordering raw materials to delivering finished products to stores. They ensure that goods are delivered on time and at the lowest possible cost.
• Transportation Coordinators: Transportation coordinators plan and coordinate the transportation of goods. They work with shipping companies and logistics providers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Warehouse Supervisors: Warehouse supervisors manage warehouse operations, including receiving, storing, and dispatching goods. They ensure that warehouses are well-organized and that goods are easily accessible when needed.

A Culture of Growth and Development

Ashley Furniture places a strong emphasis on employee growth and development. The company offers various training programs and career development opportunities to help employees enhance their skills and progress in their careers.

The Ashley Furniture Institute of Home Living is a key initiative in this regard. This in-house training facility provides employees with specialized training in furniture design, manufacturing, sales, and other areas. The institute offers a range of courses, from basic furniture construction to advanced sales techniques, ensuring that employees are well-equipped to excel in their roles.

Employee Benefits and Perks

Ashley Furniture also offers a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, designed to promote a healthy work-life balance and support their well-being.

This package includes:

• Competitive salaries and performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive health insurance plans
• Retirement savings plans with company contributions
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee assistance programs for personal and professional development

Additionally, Ashley Furniture often organizes social events and team-building activities to foster a positive work environment and promote teamwork.

Future Prospects and Sustainability

As a leading furniture manufacturer, Ashley Furniture is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including using sustainable materials and reducing waste in its manufacturing processes.

Looking ahead, Ashley Furniture aims to continue its growth trajectory, both domestically and internationally. The company's focus on innovation and its commitment to its people suggest a bright future for both the company and its employees.

Conclusion

Ashley Furniture offers a diverse range of career opportunities, from product design and manufacturing to sales and logistics. With a strong commitment to employee growth and development, a comprehensive benefits package, and a focus on sustainability, Ashley Furniture is an attractive choice for those seeking a fulfilling and rewarding career in the furniture industry.

Frequently Asked Questions