Yarn Fiber Innovation Manager

Job Title

Position Overview:

Position(s) Overview:

• Manage technical initiatives within the commercial division by providing leadership in the following areas:
• Innovation of new fiber and yarn systems.
• Evaluation of new yarn/fiber products from vendors and how they can be used for new designs and constructions.
• Communicate results and provide recommendations to all levels of the organization.
• Strong tecchnical background, highly organized and detail oriented. Able to work independently without constant oversight.
• Translate design and product needs into viable options — balancing what is needed, what is possible, and what makes sense for commercial markets.

Responsibilities:

• Connect fiber and yarn application with design. Understanding of commercial carpet constructions and how to utilize fiber and yarn technology to create different carpet looks.
• Translate design needs back to fiber technical group and fiber/yarn manufacturing.
• Prioritize across different brand needs and work cross-functionally to move ideas forward.
• Proactively attend industry/trade shows, study competitors, and bring forward ideas/solutions, not just executing requests.
• Be naturally curious — not afraid to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and dig into nuances.
• Creatively target new innovations or solutions that design and marketing can provide feedback and direction for future products.
• Work with designers to identify what is needed in the market.
• Work with outside vendors and Shaw fiber group on new yarn systems for commercial carpet
• Work within Shaw (all brands and divisions) to optimize SKU’s where possible
• Design and coordinate production trials (SYRs, XRs, MTRs, and TPRs) to develop new products with appropriate yarn & tufting constructions, including process settings that will achieve design, performance and costing goals. Follow the development process from inception to product release.
• Coordinate testing of trial materials to ensure that all customer and product requirements are met.
• Evaluate test data, communicate results, and present recommendations to internal customers and management at all levels of the organization.
• 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, design or reduce costs.
• 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.
• Strategically coordinate all product development to ensure intellectual property (IP) protection is achieved to maintain future competitive advantage in the marketplace.
• Provide mentoring and coaching to develop technical knowledge and skills within the commercial and specialty divisions.
• Report project status to management on a regular basis.
• Manage technical risk related to innovative flooring projects, including research associated with competitors’ existing intellectual property, creating and submitting Records of Invention, maintaining all supporting trial data in an accessible format, and collaborating with Shaw attorneys to file patent applications.
• Utilize software (e.g., Smartsheet) to accomplish goals and manage projects.

Foundational Competencies:

• Drive Innovation

• Demonstrate Strategic Influence

• Build Trusting Relationships

• Practice Entrepreneurial Behavior
• Demonstrate Customer Orientation

Requirements:

• 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.

Salary Grade 8

Work Shift