Bachelor's degree in polymer chemistry or engineering required.
5+ years in turf/turf fiber experience or 10+ years in plastics/extrusion manufacturing.
Strong communication skills with refined presentation abilities.
Proven business acumen with a critical thinking mindset.
Willingness to travel domestically up to 50%.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and navigate complex enterprise challenges.
Responsibilities
Lead technical initiatives in turf fiber and color operations.
Collaborate with sales and marketing to drive product innovation.
Evaluate new raw materials for performance and sustainability.
Oversee product development from inception to release.
Identify and solve quality and process issues in manufacturing.
Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Interface with vendors to stay updated on technological advancements.
Benefits
Opportunity to drive innovation in a key segment of the flooring industry.
Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
Focus on sustainable product design and compliance with global standards.
Professional growth opportunities through coaching and direct mentorship.
Hands-on involvement with new technology and production processes.
Full Job Description
Job Title Turf Fiber Technical Manager
Position Overview
Shaw Industries is looking for a Technical Manager to manage technical and innovation initiatives within the Turf Fiber and Color processes supporting Shaw's Turf business unit. The Turf Fiber Technical Manager will fill a key role within Shaw's larger enterprise technical organization collaborating with other leaders on broader initiatives spanning all of Shaw's flooring businesses.
Position Overview:
Manage technical initiatives within the turf fiber and color operations by providing leadership in the following areas:
Collaborate with Turf sales, marketing and business leadership to understand market drivers and translate these into innovation of new products and platforms.
Align with vendors and internal sourcing partners for evaluation of new raw materials for enhanced performance, value and sustainability.
Strategically coordinate all product development to ensure intellectual property (IP) protection is achieved to maintain future competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Provide technical support for turf manufacturing and fiber color operations by troubleshooting quality and process issues in order to identify and implement solutions.
Responsible for coaching and supporting direct reports, providing a motivating work environment, and growing future leaders in the organization.
Responsibilities:
Coordinate with internal customers (Manufacturing, R&D, Marketing, Sourcing, Sustainability, etc.) to determine performance requirements and target costing for new products.
Design and coordinate lab studies, pilot trials, and production trials (XRs, MTRs, and TPRs) to develop appropriate fiber extrusion, and turf compound formulations and coatings, backing constructions, and process settings that will achieve performance and costing goals for new products. Follow the development process from inception to product release.
Interface with customers, Manufacturing, QE, and Tech Services to ensure that the appropriate testing protocols are in place for the finished product.
Collaborate with manufacturing groups to negotiate priorities and ensure that trials are run efficiently and with minimal impact on scheduled production orders.
Initiate process and/or product construction modifications for existing products to enhance performance or reduce costs.
Ensure that the products being developed meet all global safety, environmental, and other regulatory requirements and industry standards, as well as requirements for necessary product certifications by outside entities (e.g., Green Label Plus, Cradle-to-Cradle, etc).
Interface with Global Sourcing, raw material vendors, and equipment vendors to stay abreast of new technology and exchange information on technical issues regarding raw materials and equipment.
Ensure that company assets, including supplies, fixed assets, raw materials, and intellectual property, are protected.
Lead and/or serve on cross-functional teams, product development teams, and technical groups promoting sustainable product design that meets or exceeds all performance requirements.
Assist in installation and startup of new equipment, as needed.
Foundational Competencies:
Drive Results
Deliver Compelling Communication
Build Trusting Relationships
Demonstrate Strategic Influence
Make Effective Decisions
Lead Change
Requirements:
Four year degree in polymer chemistry or engineering field is required.
A minimum of 5+ years' experience in turf/turf fiber OR 10+ years other plastics/extrusion manufacturing experience is required.
Ability to travel (primarily domestically) - 50%
Forward-looking, adaptive thinker with a strong, critical mindset
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including refined presentation skills
Strong business acumen
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential business information
Ability to understand major enterprise and business issues and challenges
Ability to lead and influence a team of cross-divisional internal leaders
Work Shift 8 Hr non-rotating shift, Hrs fall to in punch day, Observed Calendar, shift starts AM
About Shaw Industries, Inc
Shaw Industries, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of flooring products, including carpet, hardwood, laminate, and tile. The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Dalton, Georgia. Shaw Industries operates manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and China, and sells its products through a network of retailers and distributors. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including using recycled materials in its products and reducing energy consumption in its manufacturing processes. Shaw Industries is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
