R&D Yarn and Product Development Manager

Shaw•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is a leader in flooring and other surface solutions designed for residential housing, commercial spaces and outdoor environments. Leveraging strengths in design, innovation and operational excellence, the company takes a people-centered, customer-focused, and growth-minded approach to meet diverse market needs. It creates differentiated customer experiences through its expansive portfolio of brands: Anderson Tuftex, COREtec, Shaw Floors, Patcraft, Philadelphia Commercial, Shaw Contract, Shaw Sports Turf, Shawgrass, Southwest Greens, Watershed Geo and more. Headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, Shaw is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. with more than $6 billion in annual sales and 18,000 associates worldwide. Position Objective: To lead the development and commercialization of innovative yarn platforms that deliver differentiated, performance-based solutions aligned with evolving consumer expectations. This role is integral to the Residential Division’s transition to SD fiber technologies and supports Shaw’s broader innovation strategy. The position will focus on advancing material and process innovation, optimizing asset utilization, and maximizing return on investment to meet both current and future market needs.

Requirements

Technical Expertise: Minimum 5 years of experience in fiber extrusion and/or yarn manufacturing.
Process Knowledge: Strong understanding of yarn and carpet manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality standards.
Systems Proficiency: Working knowledge of spec systems, computer processes, and Shaw development systems such as TTR.
Analytical & Decision-Making: Ability to solve complex product and process challenges using data-driven approaches.
Project Management: Proven ability to prioritize multiple projects, manage trials, and meet deadlines.
Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey technical information across functions.
Leadership: Ability to coach employees and influence cross-functional teams.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, travel as needed, and work on-site in manufacturing environments.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in materials engineering, chemical engineering or polymer of textile science.
Experience with SD fiber technologies and performance-based yarn platforms.
Familiarity with consumer trend analysis and translating insights into product development strategies.
Exposure to sourcing and cost optimization initiatives.
Advanced proficiency in MS Office and data visualization tools.
Prior experience engaging with customers or external stakeholders in technical presentations.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate the development of new product introductions from color concentrate through finished carpet, ensuring alignment with design intent, performance standards, and sample requirements.
Partner with Designers, Product, and Consumer Insights to anticipate market needs and translate consumer trends into forward-thinking yarn development strategies.
Develop and commercialize performance-driven products that expand market share and value while optimizing cost through strategic sourcing and innovation in materials, machinery, and methods.
Serve as a technical resource to manufacturing, providing plant-level support, resolving product and process issues, and ensuring product quality and performance meet specifications and scalability.
Manage development trials, material quantities, production scheduling, and trial coordination to ensure all new products launch on time and within performance and cost parameters.
Define product constructions, materials, and manufacturing processes required to achieve desired performance and profit objectives. Work with Sourcing to achieve seamless integration of products within the company.
Ensure accurate input into TTR and related systems for new product specifications.
Facilitate weekly product development meetings to track project status, assign responsibilities, and ensure effective cross-functional communication.
Develop, enhance, and rationalize yarn systems to align with consumer needs, capacity utilization, and SKU management goals.
Research new industry technologies and competitive advancements through fiber suppliers, external processors, and machinery vendors. Communicate validated information to leadership and recommend strategic direction.
Engage with customers and visitors to R&D as needed to communicate product innovation and technical capabilities.