Idea Network Evaluator

Ashley Furniture•Leesport, PA

54d

About The Position

The Idea Network Evaluator plays a critical role in Ashley Furniture's continuous improvement culture by managing and facilitating the Idea Network program. This position is responsible for receiving, evaluating, implementing, and tracking employee-generated improvement ideas across manufacturing operations. The Idea Network Evaluator serves as a catalyst for innovation, ensuring that valuable employee insights are captured, assessed, and translated into operational improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Minimum 2-3 years experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, or continuous improvement roles
Understanding of manufacturing operations, equipment, and processes
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, process flows, and work instructions
Basic financial acumen to calculate cost savings and ROI
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Strong critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate idea feasibility
Ability to assess technical, operational, and financial aspects of improvement proposals
Root cause analysis and problem-solving capabilities
Data analysis and reporting skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences
Active listening skills to understand employee ideas and concerns
Presentation skills for sharing ideas and results with leadership
Relationship-building and collaboration across all organizational levels
Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple ideas and projects simultaneously
Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and tracking
Time management and prioritization abilities
Follow-through and accountability for driving ideas to completion
Passion for continuous improvement and innovation
Positive, encouraging attitude that motivates employee participation
Curiosity and open-mindedness to new ideas and perspectives
Patience and persistence in navigating organizational processes
Self-motivated with ability to work independently
Adaptability and flexibility in fast-paced manufacturing environment

Nice To Haves

Associate or Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred
Experience with continuous improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, suggestion systems) preferred
Project coordination or project management experience preferred
Familiarity with furniture manufacturing processes preferred but not required
Experience with database systems, idea management software, or CMMS platforms preferred
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies

Responsibilities

Receive and review employee-submitted ideas through the Idea Network platform
Conduct initial evaluation of ideas for feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with company goals
Collaborate with appropriate department leaders (Manufacturing, Maintenance, Engineering, Safety, Quality, etc.) to assess technical viability and implementation requirements
Prioritize ideas based on safety impact, cost savings potential, quality improvement, and ease of implementation
Ensure timely response and feedback to employees who submit ideas
Track idea status from submission through implementation and close-out
Work with manufacturing supervisors, managers, and operators to refine and develop submitted ideas
Coordinate with Engineering, Maintenance, and Quality teams to validate technical aspects of proposed improvements
Partner with Finance to calculate cost-benefit analysis and ROI for significant improvement ideas
Facilitate communication between idea originators and implementation teams
Present ideas and recommendations to leadership for approval and resource allocation
Develop implementation plans for approved ideas, including timelines, resource requirements, and success metrics
Support teams in executing approved improvements, providing project coordination as needed
Monitor implementation progress and troubleshoot obstacles
Verify that improvements achieve intended results and document outcomes
Ensure proper recognition and rewards are provided to employees whose ideas are implemented
Maintain accurate records of all submitted ideas in the Idea Network database/system
Track key metrics including submission rates, approval rates, implementation rates, cost savings, and cycle times
Generate regular reports on Idea Network performance for management review
Analyze trends in idea submissions to identify common themes or systemic opportunities
Document lessons learned and best practices for idea generation and implementation
Promote the Idea Network program throughout the facility to encourage participation
Educate employees on how to submit ideas and what types of improvements are valuable
Celebrate successes and recognize employees whose ideas drive meaningful improvement
Organize Idea Network events, contests, or campaigns to drive engagement
Share success stories and examples of implemented ideas through communication channels (team meetings, bulletin boards, newsletters, etc.)
Foster a culture where all employees feel empowered to identify and suggest improvements
Identify barriers to idea submission and work to eliminate them
Coach employees on problem-solving techniques and how to develop actionable improvement ideas
Support leadership in building continuous improvement capabilities across the organization
Align Idea Network activities with broader Lean, Six Sigma, or operational excellence initiatives
Ensure Idea Network processes comply with company policies and procedures
Maintain confidentiality of proprietary improvement ideas and sensitive information
Adhere to safety protocols when evaluating or supporting implementation of ideas
Manage budget for idea rewards and recognition programs (if applicable)
Support audits or reviews of the Idea Network program