District Manager Licensee

Ashley Furniture Industries • Chicago, IL

17d

About The Position

The District Manager supports and develops Ashley licensees across an assigned district through ongoing visits, training, merchandising guidance, sales support, and operational improvement. The role helps licensees grow wholesale sales, maintain compliance with the TUA and Ashley brand standards, and address operational issues and opportunities. It also supports new store openings, grand re-openings, onboarding, and communication among the licensee network.

The District Manager builds strong relationships with regional licensees, resolves concerns, and participates in sales and strategy meetings. The role may also support Tier 2–5 licensees and join focused efforts to address problem areas or develop opportunities. It promotes Ashley’s brand through community involvement and demonstrates the company’s core and growth values. Travel willingness of 80% is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three to five years of retail sales and sales management or distribution center experience.
• Exceptional knowledge of retail, sales, and training operations processes.
• Willingness to travel 80%.
• Ability to facilitate training and presentations for small and large audiences.
• Strong business acumen and demonstrated knowledge of finance, management, marketing, and merchandising.
• Knowledge of licensed business owner or franchise law.
• Knowledge of training management and improvement methods and tools.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret data and turn insights into action.
• Outstanding leadership skills and ability to build an inspiring culture through vision, empowerment, and development.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, completely, and concisely.
• Strong project, resource management, and organizational skills, with the ability to meet demanding deadlines.
• Strong relationship management and coaching skills that support goal accomplishment.
• Agility and ability to adapt when directions and priorities change on short notice.
• Strong skills in MS Office Suite or similar office software.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in furniture retail and fulfillment-based operations using a license or franchise model.
• Visual merchandising, furniture, or training experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ongoing location visits to support licensees with product training, merchandising, product assortments, velocity walks, and other opportunities to grow wholesale sales.
• Support licensee new store openings and grand re-openings, and participate in new licensee onboarding.
• Participate in operational strategy meetings to develop and execute best practices or improvement plans addressing licensee needs and identified issues.
• Ensure licensees remain in compliance with the TUA and monitor product and visual brand standards through field visits and licensee self-reporting.
• Support licensee network communications, including field reports, weekly newsletters, quarterly business strategy meetings, and reporting protocols.
• Maintain strong relationships with regional licensees and resolve their issues and concerns.
• Attend Markets to introduce licensees to new products and programs.
• Participate in quarterly Licensee Sales meetings to provide team building and support.
• Assist Tier 2–5 licensees as needed and participate in focused efforts to address problem areas or develop opportunities.
• Promote the Ashley brand through involvement in community associations, events, and volunteer organizations.
• Demonstrate the company’s core and growth values in performing job functions.

Benefits

• Profit sharing is available to eligible employees; the discretionary program depends on company profitability.
• Comprehensive benefits programs include health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k), paid holidays, 80 hours of paid vacation, and 40 hours of California Paid Sick Leave. Benefits may vary by position and location.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager