Product Development Manager Nonwovens

Job Title

Position Overview

Our Product Development Manager in Shaw Nonwovens works with a variety of people within a diverse portfolio of market segments and product applications. Shaw Nonwovens products are found not only on the floor of commercial and retail entryways but are key components in the Transportation Recreation Wallcovering and Industrial Fabrics markets.

Why Shaw Nonwovens

Well as part of Shaw Industries Inc. we are a financially robust Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary. We have strong relationships with diverse manufacturers nationwide which means that we are not limited to a particular product and can offer competitive value. Finally and most importantly our market leadership is unparalleled. This is reflected in the way our customers vendors and partners feel about doing business with us.

We need a Product Development Manager who loves finding creative solutions through practical designs and has experience in the nonwovens field. We want someone who loves growth in a fast-paced work environment is a self-starter and thrives in a setting where they can take control of their career and their potential to grow with the business.

Position Objective:

Develop Needlebond product offerings through a comprehensive anticipation of styling/market trends and provide a quick response to ever changing market conditions. Continually optimize the balance between corporate capacities and our sales volume at the highest profit margins possible. Manage activities of the Needlebond Development Group including Project Engineer Development Administration Spec/SKU Coordinator and Pilot Lab.

Technical expert for Needlepunch processes Carding AirLay Needlepunch Structure Thermal Bonding Coating and Raw Materials used in Nonwovens.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development of and execute responsible portions of the Shaw Nonwovens Growth Strategy
• Establish self in the market and represent Shaw as the market leader by recognizing trends and understanding the participants (including direct and indirect competition).
• Develop products that are needed to fully utilize corporate capacity address customer needs provide fashion-forward color and styling and ensure profitability.
• Understand current Nonwoven capabilities and stay up to date on advances in Nonwoven machinery and processes.
• Apply expertise to create new product opportunities and to overcome obstacles in new product design at competitive price points.
• Create new product designs based on Market needs New Technology Raw Materials and Manufacturing Capabilities.
• Manage the development of new products and processes from concept to commercialization
• Demonstrate technical ownership of all projects and products.
• Coordinate lab and pilot work XRs TPRs and all associated testing required to advance new development projects to commercialization.
• Improve technology on existing products manufacturing processes and recycling processes based on evolving technologies.
• Network with raw material suppliers equipment manufacturers and customers in related trade associations and events.
• Assist in installation and startup of new equipment as needed.
• Interface with the customers Manufacturing QE and Tech Services to ensure that the appropriate testing protocols are in place for the finished product.
• Ensure that company assets including fixed assets raw materials and intellectual property are protected.
• Utilize software tools to accomplish goals and manage projects (Smartsheet Excel Minitab etc.)
• Manage Shaw Nonwovens Innovation Portfolio based on priorities set by the Strategic Business Unit
• Collaborate with Legal to ensure Intellectual Property is protected.
• Collaborate with Sustainability Group to ensure all materials used are within Shaw guidelines.
• Ensure that the Shaw core values of honesty integrity and passion are demonstrated.

Competencies:

• Drive Innovation
• Demonstrate Strategic Influence
• Build Trusting Relationships
• Demonstrate Customer Orientation
• Deliver Compelling Communication

Requirements:

• Bachelor Degree or higher in engineering Chemical Engineering preferred
• Experience in Nonwoven Manufacturing and Product Design
• Effective written and verbal communication skills across multiple levels of the organization; between peers management and plant personnel.
• Inventive with solutions but balanced with the ability to reduce the ideas to practice
• Creative balanced with a sense of practical/functional design
• Effective systematic problem-solving skills
• Effective interpersonal and management skills
• Organizational skills and be detail-oriented with engineering approach

Preferred:

• Chemical Engineering degree
• Six Sigma training
• Knowledge and experience in polymer chemistry polymer processing and recycling
• Expertise in Nonwoven Manufacturing and Product Design
• Track record of Innovative results
• Experience managing Intellectual Property matters

Shaw benefits include:

• Medical dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee assistance program
• Health savings account
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• 401K and Retirement Plans
• Product discounts for employees
• Adoption assistance
• Shaw Family Health Center (Dalton GA and Cartersville GA locations)
• And much more!

Shaw Industries Group Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway and is a global leader in delivering carpet hardwood tile & stone laminate synthetic turf and other specialty products to residential and commercial markets worldwide. We are committed to creating a better future for our customers our people our company and our communities.

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