Technical and Quality Manager

Shaw Industries Group, Inc.; Chickamauga (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. is seeking a Technical and Quality Manager to provide strategic technical leadership, oversee quality management, and drive process optimization across backing, carpet, and related manufacturing operations.

The role serves as the technical expert for primary backing and related processes while leading quality assurance, continuous improvement, product development, and training initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Shaw's recognized technical leader in backing, carpet backing, and related manufacturing technologies.
• Maintain comprehensive technical expertise in soft surface materials, yarn, fiber, carpet, backing products, and processes.
• Lead quality assurance and quality management activities from raw materials through finished goods.
• Establish and maintain quality systems aligned with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and Shaw's expectations.
• Lead variation reduction through corrective and preventive action programs.
• Identify and implement process improvements to improve product quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Develop systems for material utilization, inventory control, and process optimization.
• Ensure products meet end-use customer expectations and performance requirements.
• Lead, develop, and coach quality and technical teams, including engineers and technicians.
• Provide education and training programs for plant management and operators.

Job description

Job Title Technical and Quality Manager Position Overview

Shaw Industries is hiring a Technical & Quality Manager to be responsible for providing strategic technical leadership, quality management, process optimization, and innovation across Shaw's backing, carpet, and related manufacturing operations. This role serves as the recognized technical expert for primary backing and associated manufacturing processes while leading quality assurance, continuous improvement, product development, and technical training initiatives. The position drives manufacturing excellence through process control, product innovation, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration. It ensures alignment with customer expectations, corporate standards, regulatory requirements, and Shaw's long-term business objectives while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, service, cost competitiveness, and continuous improvement. This position combines technical leadership, people leadership, and project management responsibilities to support both existing operations and future growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Innovation

• Serve as Shaw's recognized technical leader in primary backing, carpet backing, and related manufacturing technologies.
• Maintain comprehensive technical expertise in soft surface materials, yarn, fiber, carpet, backing products, and associated manufacturing processes.
• Participate in local and global equipment, technology, and process development initiative efforts from concept through commercialization and commoditization.
• Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and internal stakeholders to identify and implement innovative solutions.
• Audit industry patents and emerging technologies to identify opportunities and risks affecting Shaw's business.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and oversee all plant quality assurance and quality management activities from raw materials through finished goods.
• Establish and maintain quality systems aligned with customer requirements, regulatory standards, and corporate expectations.
• Lead variation reduction efforts through corrective and preventive action programs.
• Identify and implement process improvements that improve product quality, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Develop systems for material utilization, inventory control, and process optimization.
• Ensure products consistently meet end-use customer expectations and performance requirements.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, develop, and coach quality and technical teams, including quality manager, engineers, coordinators, technicians, and support personnel.
• Create and sustain education and training programs for plant management, supervisors, technicians, operators, and emerging leaders.
• Build organizational capability by developing technical expertise throughout manufacturing operations.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration.
• Provide technical mentoring and support across multiple manufacturing disciplines and functions, both in carpet and backing.

Project & Process Management

• Initiate, plan, coordinate, and execute technical projects and manufacturing initiatives.
• Authorize and manage Material Trial Requests (MTRs), Engineering Change Requests (ECRs), and pilot plant trials.
• Analyze and communicate trial results, recommendations, and key findings to senior leadership.
• Conduct technical studies using structured scientific and analytical methodologies and maintain complete documentation.
• Lead product qualification efforts, field testing programs, and process validation activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison among manufacturing, technical services, quality, planning, process engineering, product development, R&D, supply chain, sales, marketing, and procurement.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with divisional and plant leadership teams.
• Act as the primary technical contact for key equipment suppliers, raw material suppliers, and strategic partners while maintaining preferred supplier status.
• Support customer, supplier, and vendor evaluations, audits, and problem‑solving activities.
• Provide technical input to strategic agreements, customer issues, and legal matters involving products and manufacturing processes.

Problem Solving & Operational Excellence

• Lead technical problem‑solving efforts across backing and carpet manufacturing operations.
• Analyze process and product performance data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement solutions that improve safety, quality, service, and cost performance.
• Support manufacturing teams in resolving customer, supplier, and process‑related issues.
• Apply strong mechanical, analytical, and