Operations Automation Specialist

Ashley Furniture Industries•Tupelo, MS

145d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Automation Specialist identifies, designs, implements, and maintains automation solutions to improve operational efficiency across Ashley Furniture's business processes. The role combines technical expertise with process analysis to drive digital transformation and streamline workflows. The specialist develops solutions using robotic process automation (RPA), workflow tools, and scripting languages, and collaborates with stakeholders to identify opportunities, gather requirements, and measure automation ROI across operations, finance, HR, supply chain, and customer service. The position also assesses and maps business processes, recommends improvements, supports and maintains automation infrastructure, and partners with IT, business units, and vendors. It tracks performance and communicates automation results through reporting and dashboards. The 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. It may involve extended standing or walking on concrete floors and use of PPE such as safety glasses and steel-toed boots. Operations are fast-paced, time-sensitive, and safety-sensitive, and may include various shift schedules.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field, 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 programming languages.
Knowledge of API integrations, RESTful services, and data transformation techniques.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to break down complex processes.
Strong communication skills, including explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences and translating business requirements into technical solutions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with advanced Excel skills.
Understanding of process mapping methodologies and tools such as Visio, Lucidchart, or similar.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

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 certification.
Experience in retail, furniture, manufacturing, or distribution industries.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification, 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.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, test, and deploy RPA, workflow, scripting, integration, and other automation solutions to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
Identify automation opportunities across operations, finance, HR, supply chain, customer service, and other business functions.
Build, maintain, configure, and customize workflows, bots, platform solutions, API integrations, and data transformation processes.
Document automation processes, configurations, technical specifications, standard operating procedures, business requirements, functional specifications, and user stories.
Assess and map current-state and future-state processes; identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and automation opportunities.
Gather stakeholder requirements, understand pain points, define success criteria, and conduct feasibility studies to prioritize opportunities by impact and complexity.
Analyze automation ROI, performance metrics, time savings, and cost reductions; recommend process improvements such as standardization, simplification, and removal of non-value-added activities.
Monitor automated processes using logging and analytics tools; troubleshoot issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement preventive measures.
Maintain and update automation solutions and infrastructure to ensure compatibility, reliability, security, and scalability.
Provide technical support and training to end users on automation tools and processes.
Implement version control and change management practices for automation assets.
Partner with IT, business units, and vendors to implement automation technologies and integrate solutions across the enterprise.
Stay current with automation tools, AI/ML capabilities, intelligent automation, and industry best practices; promote automation opportunities and adoption.
Support change management through training, communication, and stakeholder engagement; participate in project planning and cross-functional teams.
Share knowledge and contribute to automation standards, governance frameworks, and center of excellence activities.
Track and report automation performance metrics, create dashboards and visualizations to communicate value and ROI to leadership, and identify continuous-improvement opportunities.
Conduct post-implementation reviews, capture lessons learned, optimize future projects, and maintain and prioritize an automation pipeline based on business value and strategic alignment.