Foam Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.
If you are a current Ashley employee: Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board.
Summary:
The Foam Pouring Supervisor oversees foam pouring operations in our furniture manufacturing environment, ensuring quality standards, managing team performance, and maintaining rigorous safety protocols. This hands-on leadership role supervises daily foam pouring operations, monitors foam mixing ratios and pouring processes, and coordinates with production planning to optimize schedules and minimize downtime. The Foam Pouring Supervisor leads and develops a team of foam pouring operators while implementing quality control procedures, enforcing safety regulations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and product quality.
Responsibilities:
Production Management

• Supervise daily foam pouring operations and ensure production targets are met consistently to support manufacturing schedules
• Monitor foam mixing ratios, temperatures, and pouring processes to maintain quality standards and product specifications
• Coordinate with production planning to optimize schedules, minimize downtime, and maximize equipment utilization
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and implement corrective actions to restore operations quickly and prevent recurrence
• Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of foam pouring machinery, mixing equipment, and auxiliary systems
• Manage production workflow to balance efficiency with quality and safety requirements
• Track and report production metrics including output, efficiency, downtime, and quality performance

Team Leadership

• Lead, train, and develop a team of foam pouring operators to build technical capabilities and operational excellence
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to drive individual and team improvement
• Schedule shifts and manage labor resources effectively to ensure adequate coverage and meet production demands
• Foster a positive team environment focused on continuous improvement, safety, and quality
• Coordinate with HR on hiring, training, onboarding, and disciplinary matters
• Coach team members on proper techniques, safety procedures, and quality standards
• Recognize and reward high performance while addressing performance deficiencies through coaching or corrective action

Quality Control

• Ensure all foam products meet company quality specifications, customer requirements, and industry standards
• Conduct regular inspections of foam density, firmness, consistency, and dimensional accuracy
• Implement and monitor quality control procedures including in-process checks and final product verification
• Document quality issues and coordinate with Quality Assurance team to resolve non-conformances
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective action planning to prevent quality defects
• Track quality metrics and implement improvements to reduce scrap, rework, and customer complaints
• Ensure proper documentation of quality records and traceability information

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce all safety regulations, OSHA requirements, and company policies across foam pouring operations
• Conduct safety meetings and training sessions to promote safety awareness and safe work practices
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators, safety glasses, and protective clothing
• Maintain compliance with OSHA regulations, environmental regulations, and chemical handling requirements
• Investigate and report any safety incidents, near-misses, or environmental releases
• Conduct safety audits and workplace inspections to identify and eliminate hazards
• Implement lockout/tagout procedures and ensure safe maintenance practices

Inventory & Materials Management

• Monitor foam chemical inventory levels and coordinate with purchasing to ensure adequate supply
• Ensure proper storage and handling of chemicals and materials in accordance with safety data sheets (SDS)
• Track waste and implement reduction strategies to minimize scrap and environmental impact
• Manage supply ordering to prevent production disruptions due to material shortages
• Monitor material usage rates and identify opportunities for cost reduction
• Ensure proper labeling, segregation, and rotation of chemical inventory

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and cost reduction through data analysis and observation
• Participate in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to eliminate waste and enhance efficiency
• Implement best practices across foam pouring operations to standardize processes and improve outcomes
• Collaborate with engineering on equipment upgrades, modifications, and new technology implementation
• Lead kaizen events and improvement projects focused on productivity, quality, and safety
• Share lessons learned and best practices across shifts and departments

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent work experience required
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in foam manufacturing or related chemical processing operations desired
• Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience leading production teams
• Strong understanding of polyurethane foam chemistry and production processes desired
• Knowledge of safety regulations, OSHA requirements, and manufacturing best practices
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with ability to motivate and develop teams
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities in fast-paced production environments
• Proficient in basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite
• Understanding of manufacturing metrics and KPIs
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a manufacturing environment
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to chemicals, noise, and varying temperatures
• Ability to wear required PPE including respirators, safety glasses, and protective clothing

Additional Qualifications, Preferred:

• Associate's degree in Manufacturing Technology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field
• Experience with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
• Forklift certification and experience operating material handling equipment
• Familiarity with ERP/MES (Enterprise Resource Planning/Manufacturing Execution Systems) systems
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) or quality management certification
• Experience in furniture manufacturing or bedding components production
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and quality management systems
• Background in polyurethane chemistry, foam formulations, or chemical processing
• Understanding of environmental regulations related to chemical manufacturing
• Experience with preventive and predictive maintenance programs

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 requires extended periods of standing or walking on concrete floors and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, steel-toed boots, respirators, and protective clothing. The manufacturing facility includes exposure to chemical fumes, polyurethane processing, and production noise in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and time-sensitive operations. The team-oriented culture is focused on quality, safety, and operational excellence.
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.
Interested in learning more about Ashley Furniture's Community Engagement programs, Environmental Stewardship, or our Core Values, click the links below:

• Corporate Social Responsibility
• View Our Corporate Brochure

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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.