John Deere Global Product Line Manager, Ashley Harris, describes herself as personable, passionate and driven.
Having joined John Deere in 2012 as a Supply Management part-time student at Tractor Cab Assembly Operations, by 2014 Ashley had transitioned to a biotechnology company, Integrated DNA Technologies, where she held a Materials Planner position.
"I then came back to Deere in 2016 as a Material Coordinator in Front End Equipment Weld & Assembly at Harvester Works. From 2017 to 2021, I was in Product Development Supply Management, starting as a Tactical Supply Management Specialist and then as Strategic Supply Management Specialist. That brought me to my current role as Global Product Line Manager for Operator Station," explains Ashley.
An exciting and varied job role
In her role, Ashley ensures sourcing strategies are implemented on time, with optimized cost, consistent quality, and in line with sourcing strategies for Operator Station for Harvesting Combine and Hay and Forage platforms.
When asked what key strengths she regularly needs to draw upon in her role, Ashley identifies: "Project management experience, knowledge of supply management systems and processes, collaboration skills, negotiation and conflict resolution."
Enjoying a global environment
Ashley's favorite John Deere project is her current one. "I am working with Supply Management teams in different regions on implementing multiple future product programs and providing direction on localization. I really enjoy the global environment of this project & position," she says.
Discussing why she thoroughly enjoys working at John Deere, Ashley suggests that it is definitely the people and company culture that suit her. "It’s a fun, challenging environment with endless opportunities," she explains.
Encouraging women into manufacturing roles
Ashley believes that more women can transition into roles like hers if there was greater support and advocacy for gender equality in supply chain and manufacturing roles, as well as women having adequate opportunities to be challenged and brought outside of their comfort zone.
Offering advice to women who may be considering a career move to John Deere, Ashley says: "Join in! You can really make a difference."
And when not working at John Deere Ashley says that she enjoys spending time with friends and family, along with enjoying as much time outdoors. "We also have an 8-month-old so that certainly keeps us quite busy!" she says.
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.