IT Delivery Manager

Job Description Role Summary Ashley Furniture is seeking an experienced IT Delivery Manager to lead our IT Logistics function, overseeing Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transportation Management System (TMS) teams in Chennai. This is a strategic leadership position responsible for managing multiple cross-functional teams including development, quality assurance, and support resources. As IT Delivery Manager, you will serve as the critical bridge between our US-based IT and business stakeholders and our Chennai delivery teams. You will drive technology initiatives that support Ashley's global supply chain operations, ensuring seamless delivery of solutions that enhance warehousing efficiency, logistics optimization, and operational excellence. This role demands a leader who can navigate complex, large-scale enterprise systems, manage diverse technical teams, having an AI-first approach and deliver business value through technology in a fast-paced, global retail and manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities Program & Delivery Management : - Lead end-to-end delivery of WMS and TMS initiatives, ensuring projects meet quality, timeline, and budget objectives - Manage multiple agile development teams (developers, QA engineers, support analysts) across WMS and TMS platforms - Develop and execute delivery roadmaps aligned with Ashley's supply chain and IT strategy - Drive prioritization of enhancements, production support, and transformation initiatives in collaboration with US stakeholders - Establish and monitor project metrics, KPIs, and success criteria for all delivery activities - Implement best practices in project management, agile methodologies, and DevOps practices Stakeholder Management - Serve as primary liaison between Chennai delivery teams and US-based IT leadership and business stakeholders - Facilitate effective communication across time zones, ensuring stakeholder expectations are managed and met - Conduct regular status updates, steering committee meetings, and executive briefings - Build strong partnerships with supply chain, warehousing, logistics, and operations leadership - Manage vendor relationships and third-party integrations related to WMS/TMS systems Team Leadership & Resource Management - Lead, mentor, and develop team members across development, QA, and support functions - Manage resource allocation, capacity planning, and skills development initiatives - Conduct performance reviews, career development planning, and succession planning - Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and high performance - Build and retain top technical talent in a competitive market - Ensure effective onboarding and knowledge transfer processes Technical & Operational Excellence - Oversee the design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance of WMS and TMS applications - Ensure system reliability, performance, scalability, and availability for mission-critical logistics systems - Drive automation initiatives leveraging RPA, analytics, IoT, and emerging technologies - Implement robust monitoring, incident management, and problem resolution processes - Ensure compliance with IT governance, security standards, audit requirements, and change management protocols - Translate business requirements from warehousing and logistics operations into technical specifications Strategic Initiatives - Drive digital transformation initiatives in supply chain technology - Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and operational improvements - Champion innovation in warehousing and logistics technology (automation, AI/ML, advanced analytics) - Support integration with e-commerce, manufacturing, and distribution systems - Contribute to IT strategy and roadmap development for logistics technology Budget & Financial Management - Develop and manage budgets for IT Logistics delivery teams - Ensure cost optimization across development, support, and infrastructure - Track and report on ROI for technology initiatives - Manage vendor contracts and third-party spending Required Qualifications Experience : - 18+ years of progressive IT experience with at least 5 years in delivery management roles - Proven track record managing large-scale WMS, TMS, ERP, or supply chain technology programs - Experience in retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, or logistics industries required - Demonstrated success leading multiple technical teams (50+ resources) across development, QA, and support - Experience working with US-based stakeholders and managing global delivery teams - Strong background in agile delivery methodologies and DevOps practices Technical Knowledge - Deep understanding of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) - Knowledge of supply chain processes : inventory management, order fulfilment, distribution, logistics - Familiarity with integration technologies, APIs, microservices, cloud platforms (Azure/AWS) - Understanding of databases (SQL/NoSQL), middleware, and enterprise application architecture - Experience with automation technologies (RPA, IoT, mobility solutions, robotics) - Knowledge of analytics, dashboards, and data-driven decision-making tools - Envision AI Native Solutions and have AI-first approach in delivery excellence & business solutions Leadership & Management - Exceptional people leadership and team building skills - Strong vendor management and contract negotiation capabilities - Experience with change management and organizational transformation - Proven ability to manage budgets, P&L, and financial planning - Track record of building high-performing, engaged teams Communication & Interpersonal Skills - Outstanding communication skills with ability to engage C-level executives and technical teams - Strong presentation and influencing skills - Ability to translate complex technical concepts for business audiences - Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities - Collaborative approach with cross-functional teams Education - Bachelors degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field required - Master's degree or MBA preferred - PMP, Agile, or relevant certifications are a plus Preferred Qualifications - Prior experience in a global furniture, retail, or manufacturing environment - Familiarity with large-scale supply chain/retail/manufacturing operations - Experience with IoT in warehousing (sensors, automation, RFID) - Knowledge of mobility solutions (handheld scanners, mobile apps for warehouse operations) - Exposure to AI/ML applications in supply chain optimization (forecasting, route optimization, demand planning) - Experience with modern architecture : containerization (Kubernetes), CI/CD pipelines - Understanding of regulatory compliance in retail and logistics (data security, SOX controls) - Previous experience managing offshore delivery centers in India (ref:hirist.tech)