Operations Automation Specialist

Ashley Furniture Industries; Tupelo (MS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision

Paid Time Off

Generous Employee Discount

Professional Development Opportunities

Tuition Assistance

Ashley Wellness Centers

401(k) and Profit Sharing

Life Insurance

Job summary

Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC is seeking an Operations Automation Specialist to design, develop, and implement automation across operations, finance, HR, and supply chain. You will build automated workflows and bots, validate performance, and document processes to support ROI-focused digital transformation.

Collaborate with IT and business units to prioritize opportunities, deliver scalable automation, and train end users.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required (or equivalent work experience)
• 2–4 years of experience in process automation, RPA development, or business process improvement
• Proficiency with automation platforms such as Microsoft Power Automate, UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, or similar RPA tools
• Strong understanding of business processes across multiple functional areas including operations, finance, supply chain, and HR
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, VBScript, or similar
• Knowledge of API integrations, RESTful services, and data transformation techniques
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to break down complex processes
• Strong communication skills to translate business requirements into technical solutions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with advanced Excel skills
• Understanding of process mapping methodologies and tools (Visio, Lucidchart, or similar)
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy automation solutions using RPA, workflow tools, and scripting languages
• Identify opportunities for process automation across departments (operations, finance, HR, supply chain, customer service)
• Build and maintain automated workflows, bots, and integration solutions
• Test and validate automation solutions for accuracy and performance
• Document automation processes and SOPs for knowledge transfer and maintenance
• Configure and customize automation platforms to meet requirements
• Develop API integrations and data transformation processes to connect systems

Skills

RPA development

Process automation

Scripting (Python)

API integrations

Data transformation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Power Automate

UiPath

Automation Anywhere

Blue Prism

Job description

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture - Where Innovation Meets Comfort

Who We Are

At Ashley, inspiring the love of home is at the heart of everything we do. As the world's largest manufacturer of home furnishings, we're more than a business — we're a family driven by innovation, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We persevere through challenges, push beyond the status quo, and constantly seek better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our solutions-first mindset and dedication to growth are why Ashley remains #1 in our industry. If you're ready to grow, you've come to the right place. With a true "Growth Mindset," Ashley Furniture invests in developing future leaders and helps every team member learn from the best in the business.

Summary

The Operations Automation Specialist is responsible for identifying, designing, implementing, and maintaining automation solutions that improve operational efficiency across Ashley Furniture's business processes. This role combines technical expertise with process analysis to drive digital transformation and streamline workflows. The Operations Automation Specialist develops automation solutions using RPA (Robotic Process Automation), workflow tools, and scripting languages while collaborating with stakeholders to identify opportunities, gather requirements, and measure automation ROI across departments including operations, finance, HR, supply chain, and customer service.

Responsibilities

Automation Development & Implementation

• Design, develop, and deploy automation solutions using RPA (Robotic Process Automation), workflow tools, and scripting languages to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort
• Identify opportunities for process automation across departments including operations, finance, HR, supply chain, and customer service
• Build and maintain automated workflows, bots, and integration solutions that streamline business processes and eliminate repetitive tasks
• Test and validate automation solutions to ensure accuracy, reliability, and performance before deployment
• Document automation processes, configurations, technical specifications, and standard operating procedures for knowledge transfer and maintenance
• Configure and customize automation platforms to meet specific business requirements
• Develop API integrations and data transformation processes to connect systems and automate data flows

Process Analysis & Optimization

• Conduct comprehensive process assessments to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and automation opportunities across business functions
• Map current-state and future-state business processes using process mapping tools and methodologies
• Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements, understand pain points, and define success criteria for automation initiatives
• Analyze data to measure automation ROI, performance metrics, time savings, and cost reduction
• Recommend process improvements beyond automation where applicable, including standardization, simplification, and elimination of non-value-added activities
• Conduct feasibility studies to evaluate automation potential and prioritize opportunities based on impact and complexity
• Document business requirements, functional specifications, and user stories for automation projects

Technical Support & Maintenance

• Monitor automated processes for performance, errors, and optimization opportunities using logging and analytics tools
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation issues in a timely manner to minimize business disruption
• Perform regular maintenance and updates to existing automation solutions to ensure compatibility with system changes
• Provide technical support and training to end users on automation tools and processes
• Maintain automation infrastructure and ensure system reliability, security, and scalability
• Implement version control and change management practices for automation assets
• Conduct root cause analysis for automation failures and implement preventive measures

Collaboration & Innovation

• Partner with IT, business units, and vendors to implement automation technologies and integrate solutions across the enterprise
• Stay current with emerging automation tools, AI/ML capabilities, intelligent automation, and industry best practices
• Evangelize automation opportunities and benefits across the organization to drive adoption and engagement
• Support change management efforts related to automation initiatives including training, communication, and stakeholder engagement
• Participate in project planning, requirements gathering, and cross-functional teams
• Share knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned with team members and stakeholders
• Contribute to the development of automation standards, governance frameworks, and center of excellence activities

Performance Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track and report on automation performance metrics including time savings, cost reduction, error reduction, and user adoption
• Create dashboards and visualizations to communicate automation value and ROI to leadership
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of existing automation solutions
• Conduct post-implementation reviews to capture lessons learned and optimize future projects
• Maintain an automation pipeline and prioritize initiatives based on business value and strategic alignment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field required (or equivalent work experience)
• Minimum 2-4 years of experience in process automation, RPA development, or business process improvement
• Proficiency with automation platforms such as Microsoft Power Automate, UiPath, Automation Anywhere, Blue Prism, or similar RPA tools
• Strong understanding of business processes across multiple functional areas including operations, finance, supply chain, and HR
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, VBScript, or similar programming languages
• Knowledge of API integrations, RESTful services, and data transformation techniques
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to break down complex processes
• Strong communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences and translate business requirements into technical solutions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) with advanced Excel skills
• Understanding of process mapping methodologies and tools (Visio, Lucidchart, or similar)
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Additional Qualifications, Preferred

• Experience with Microsoft Power Platform including Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI, and Dataverse
• Familiarity with cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud Platform
• Knowledge of database management, SQL, and data modeling
• Experience with AI/ML tools, cognitive services, and intelligent automation capabilities
• Project management skills or PMP (Project Management Professional) certification
• Experience in retail, furniture, manufacturing, or distribution industries
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) or other process improvement certifications
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git, Azure DevOps, or GitHub
• Experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies and project delivery frameworks
• Knowledge of low-code/no-code platforms and citizen developer enablement
• Understanding of data security, privacy, and compliance requirements
• Experience with change management and user adoption strategies
• Background in systems integration, middleware, or enterprise application development

Work Environment

This position is located in an active industrial manufacturing and distribution center with moderate to high noise levels, temperature variations, and material handling equipment in operation. The role may require extended periods of standing or walking on concrete floors and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and steel-toed boots. The fast-paced environment involves time-sensitive and safety sensitive operations and may include various shift schedules to support production and distribution needs.

Pay

Competitive compensation based on experience

Benefits We Offer

• Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
• Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance
• Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific)
• 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Life Insurance

Our Core Values

Honesty & Integrity:

Acts with transparency, discretion, and ethical judgment. Trusted to handle sensitive information and provide accurate, unbiased insights.

Dirty Fingernail:

Takes full accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. Inspects details, ensures data accuracy, and follows through to completion.

Continuous Improvement:

Actively seeks better ways to improve templates, tools, and processes. Learns from prior initiatives and embeds lessons into standard work.

Growth & Results Focus:

Understands how transformation initiatives drive growth, cost reduction, and profitability. Keeps work aligned to enterprise priorities.

Culture of Leadership:

Leads through influence, reliability, and example. Builds trust across functions and supports leaders at every level.

Customer-Centric & Boundaryless:

Works across silos for the greater good of the organization. Ensures outputs meet the needs of executives, initiative owners, and teams.

Operational Excellence:

Demonstrates strong organizational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to translate ambiguity into clear, executable tools.

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. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Notice to Search Firms:

We are not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. We will not pay any placement, referral or other fees to any search firms unless we have agreed otherwise in a valid, written agreement for the specific position posted and signed by an authorized representative of Ashley Furniture Industries.

Please note this position is not eligible for current or future employment sponsorship. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or at any time in the future.