Yarn Fiber Innovation Manager

Are you passionate about turning technical innovation into market-leading products? Shaw is seeking a technically driven and innovative professional to lead fiber and yarn development initiatives within our Commercial Division. In this role, you'll serve as the critical link between design, manufacturing, and product development, translating market needs into innovative flooring solutions that drive competitive advantage.

The ideal candidate brings a strong technical foundation, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to work independently while influencing cross-functional teams. You'll evaluate emerging fiber and yarn technologies, collaborate with internal and external partners, and help shape the future of commercial flooring through innovation and strategic product development.

What You'll Do

• Lead innovation efforts involving new fiber and yarn systems for commercial flooring applications.
• Evaluate emerging yarn and fiber technologies from vendors and identify opportunities for new product development.
• Partner with design teams to translate product concepts into technically viable solutions that meet market needs.
• Communicate technical findings and recommendations to stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Balance design vision, manufacturing capabilities, performance requirements, and commercial objectives when developing new products.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical connection between fiber and yarn applications and commercial carpet design, leveraging construction expertise to create innovative product solutions.
• Collaborate with designers to identify market opportunities and translate design needs into fiber and yarn development requirements.
• Partner with Shaw's fiber manufacturing teams and external suppliers to develop and evaluate new yarn systems.
• Prioritize initiatives across multiple brands and divisions, working cross-functionally to advance product development efforts.
• Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive offerings through trade shows, benchmarking, and market research.
• Bring forward new ideas, innovations, and solutions that support future product development.
• Optimize product assortments and SKU strategies across Shaw brands and divisions where appropriate.
• Design and coordinate production trials (SYRs, XRs, MTRs, and TPRs) to develop new products with appropriate yarn and tufting constructions while achieving design, performance, and cost objectives.
• Manage product development projects from concept through commercialization and product launch.
• Coordinate testing and validation activities to ensure all customer, quality, and performance requirements are met.
• Analyze test results, communicate findings, and present recommendations to business leaders and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to efficiently execute trials while minimizing production disruption.
• Recommend and implement product and process enhancements that improve performance, aesthetics, or cost effectiveness.
• Partner with Global Sourcing, raw material suppliers, and equipment vendors to evaluate new technologies and solve technical challenges.
• Safeguard company assets, materials, intellectual property, and proprietary information.
• Lead intellectual property strategy by identifying innovations, documenting inventions, and supporting patent development efforts.
• Mentor and develop technical capabilities within the Commercial and Specialty Divisions.
• Communicate project status and key milestones to leadership on a regular basis.
• Assess and manage technical risks associated with innovative flooring projects, including competitive IP research, invention documentation, patent support activities, and maintenance of development records.
• Utilize project management tools and software, including Smartsheet, to effectively manage priorities and deliver results.

Success Factors

We're looking for someone who demonstrates the ability to:

• Drive Innovation by identifying opportunities and transforming ideas into commercially viable solutions.
• Demonstrate Strategic Influence through collaboration and effective communication across functions and leadership levels.
• Build Trusting Relationships with internal teams, external partners, and key stakeholders.
• Practice Entrepreneurial Behavior by proactively seeking opportunities, challenging assumptions, and driving continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate Customer Orientation by understanding market needs and translating them into meaningful product innovation.

Required Qualifications

• Four-year degree is required. Engineering degree preferred.
• A minimum of 3+ years experience in fiber/yarn/carpet/carpet tile manufacturing OR 8+ years other manufacturing experience is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Why Shaw?

At Shaw, you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of commercial flooring through innovation, collaboration, and technical leadership. As a Berkshire Hathaway company, we combine the strength and stability of a global industry leader with the agility to invest in new ideas, technologies, and talent.

Here, you'll work alongside experts in design, manufacturing, product development, sourcing, and engineering to bring innovative products to market that make a real impact for customers. Whether you're exploring new fiber technologies, developing next-generation yarn systems, or helping secure patentable innovations, your work will directly influence the products that define our industry.

What We Offer

• Backed by the strength and stability of Berkshire Hathaway
• Opportunities to lead innovation and influence future product direction
• Exposure to cross-functional teams across design, manufacturing, sourcing, and commercial business units
• A collaborative culture that values curiosity, creativity, and continuous improvement
• Career growth opportunities across Shaw's diverse portfolio of brands, businesses, and technologies
• Competitive benefits and ongoing professional development opportunities

At Shaw, innovation isn't just encouraged, it's expected. If you're passionate about connecting technology, design, and manufacturing to create market-leading products, we'd love to hear from you.