Director of IT- Transportation

Ashley Furniture Industries, Inc. is the largest manufacturer of furniture in the world. Established in 1945, Ashley offers one of the industry’s broadest product assortments to retail partners in 123 countries. Director of IT - TransportationPosition SummaryThe Director of IT - Transportation is responsible for leading the strategic solutioning, execution, and continuous improvement of technology that support transportation operations across the enterprise. This role provides executive-level leadership over transportation systems, infrastructure, and digital transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with business priorities and long-term organizational goals. The Transportation scope includes Shipper, Brokerage, and Private Fleet.A critical component of this role is close partnership with the Product Organization to define strategy, prioritize work, and ensure value-driven delivery of technology solutions. The Director will collaborate with Product and business leaders to align roadmaps, balance investment decisions, and drive outcomes that maximize business impact.The Director will partner closely with IT leadership, Product Teams and cross-functional business stakeholders to identify, design, and implement scalable, cost-effective technology solutions. This includes driving innovation through AI-enabled transformation, modern architectures, and agentic development frameworks to optimize transportation execution, carrier management, and end-to-end visibility and payment processes.This role is accountable for operational excellence, cybersecurity compliance, team leadership, and the successful delivery of IT programs. The Director also serves as a key decision-maker during critical incidents when senior executives are unavailable.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & TransformationSolution and execute the IT strategy for Transportation systems aligned with enterprise and Product Organization strategies and prioritiesPartner with Product leadership to co-develop roadmaps, sequencing initiatives based on business value, customer impact, and technical feasibilityLead AI transformation initiatives, including predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and decision intelligence within transportation operationsDrive adoption of agentic AI systems (autonomous workflows, orchestration agents, and decision-support agents) to improve efficiency and scalabilityIdentify emerging technologies and industry trends; evaluate and implement solutions that create competitive advantageOperational ExcellenceOversee planning, execution, and delivery of IT services ensuring quality, cost efficiency, security, and performanceEstablish and enforce IT policies, standards, and best practices across transportation systemsEnsure high availability and reliability of applications, infrastructure, and integrations supporting transportation operationsLead disaster recovery planning and business continuity effortsApplication & Platform ManagementOwn the lifecycle management of Transportation Management Systems (TMS), carrier platforms, mobile apps, driver Onboard Computer Systems and other asset tracking and maintenance systems.Ensure effective integration across enterprise systems (ERP, WMS, planning tools, etc.)Oversee enhancements, upgrades, and modernization of platformsPartner with Product and business stakeholders to continuously improve system utilization and value deliveryProgram & Project DeliveryAccountable for successful delivery of IT programs and projects (scope, budget, timeline, and outcomes)Work in alignment with Product Organization prioritization frameworks and backlog management processesTranslate complex business challenges into scalable technology solutionsDrive alignment between product strategy and IT executionImplement standardized reporting and communication processes for stakeholders and executive leadershipAI, Data & InnovationLead initiatives leveraging machine learning, optimization models, and AI agents to enhance routing, carrier selection, cost optimization, and service levelsDevelop frameworks for agentic orchestration across transportation workflows (e.g., automated exception handling, dynamic scheduling, autonomous decision-making)Promote data-driven decision-making through advanced analytics and real-time insightsSecurity & ComplianceEnsure strict adherence to cybersecurity policies and regulatory requirementsLead development and enforcement of IT security processesPartner with enterprise security teams to mitigate risks and ensure complianceVendor & Technology ManagementEvaluate vendor solutions, negotiate contracts, and manage strategic partnershipsOversee implementation of hardware, software, and third-party platformsEnsure vendor performance aligns with business expectationsPeople LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT teamDrive a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvementManage workforce planning, hiring, performance management, and employee developmentFoster collaboration across IT and business teamsBusiness and Product PartnershipCollaborate with Product team, transportation, distribution and supply chain leadership to align IT initiatives with business needsSupport development of business cases and investment strategiesEnable global business functions through scalable IT solutionsShould add some stuff in here about support.QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree in information systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (preferred) or equivalent experienceExperience8-12+ years of experience in IT, with significant focus on Transportation SystemsProven leadership experience managing teams and large-scale IT programsExperience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) that support execution for a shipper, a carrier, or a broker, technologies to support the driver in the truck and mobile apps to support the driver and the customerDemonstrated experience leading digital or AI transformation initiativesHands-on or strategic experience with AI/ML, automation platforms, and agent-based systems preferredKnowledge, Skills & AbilitiesDeep understanding of transportation and logistics processesStrong expertise in enterprise systems integration and platform architectureExperience with AI-driven optimization, predictive analytics, and intelligent automationFamiliarity with agentic development concepts (multi-agent systems, orchestration frameworks, autonomous workflows)Strong business acumen and ability to align technology with strategic goalsExceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skillsProven ability to manage complex programs in a fast-paced environmentStrong problem-solving and decision-making capabilitiesKnowledge of continuous improvement methodologiesImplementation and Support of 3rdparty COTS softwareCore CompetenciesStrategic ThinkingInnovation & Digital TransformationOperational ExcellenceLeadership & Talent DevelopmentCustomer FocusData-Driven Decision MakingAdditional ExpectationsDemonstrate company core values in all responsibilitiesEnsure compliance with company policies and proceduresParticipate in leadership forums, training, and continuous learning initiatives Apply today and find your home at Ashley!Benefits We OfferHealth, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance ProgramPaid Vacation, Holidays, and Your Birthday offGenerous Employee Discount on home furnishingsProfessional Development OpportunitiesAshley Wellness Centers (location specific) and Medical TourismTelehealth401(k) and Profit SharingLife InsuranceOur Core ValuesHonesty & IntegrityPassion, Drive, DisciplineContinuous Improvement/Operational ExcellenceDirty FingernailGrowth FocusedTo 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 ResponsibilityWe 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.Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.