Job Title

Department Manager

Position Overview

Shaw Industries is hiring a Department Manager to lead the Finishing Department team—including Process Engineers, Supervisors, and hourly associates—to optimize the residential carpet finishing process. This leader will drive performance in safety, quality, productivity, reliability, and schedule adherence, while promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence aligned with the strategic objectives of Shaw Plant 4.

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. 

Key Responsibilities:Safety Leadership: Take personal responsibility for safety and foster a culture of accountability. Maintain a clean, hazard-free, and organized department. Ensure equipment is operated safely; prohibit unsafe workarounds or shortcuts. Report all safety incidents or concerns promptly. Enforce all job procedures, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and safety protocols. Serve on the Safety Leadership Organization (SLO) steering team.Department Management: Supervise and support Department Supervisors in executing daily production goals. Ensure finishing operations meet customer specifications and quality standards. Oversee department standard work and ensure adherence to documented SMS procedures. Manage production schedules to ensure optimal throughput and schedule performance. Audit Tier 1 and Lead Tier 2 meetings and follow Leader Standard Work.Continuous Improvement & Strategy Execution: Drive Lean initiatives using Tier processes, Gemba Walks, and standard work practices. Lead or participate in audits to identify improvement opportunities in quality and productivity. Evaluate and prioritize capital and expense projects to drive performance improvements. Analyze and optimize machine reliability, availability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Set and monitor departmental KPIs for safety, quality, cost, and delivery.Talent & Team Development: Coach and develop salaried staff and hourly associates through PX conversations and ongoing feedback. Promote employee engagement through training opportunities (e.g., Six Sigma, Core Pathways). Support HR and production leadership in growing the internal talent pipeline for supervisor and engineer roles. Conduct regular communication touchpoints including roundtables and monthly team meetings.Collaboration & Communication: Serve as a key liaison between finishing operations and Plant/Corporate leadership. Communicate effectively with internal and external customers and suppliers. Maintain flow of materials and WIP, collaborating with Supply Chain to ensure efficiency. Prepare and present department reports and updates to Plant leadership. Contribute to setting overall plant strategy and support initiatives through leadership on key teams: Safety (SLO) Quality (QIT) Reliability (TPM) People & Culture (4Rocks)Cost & Resource Management: Develop and manage departmental budgets. Monitor labor and maintenance spending, drive cost efficiency, and support POVA goals. Coordinate raw material trials and supplier engagements to improve cost or quality. Required Qualifications:4+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in finishing or similar operations.Strong knowledge of finishing processes, equipment, and production techniques.Proven ability to lead teams and drive performance in safety, quality, and efficiency.Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools.Effective communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization.Ability to develop and analyze budgets, KPIs, and operational data. Experience in managing cross-functional teams and project initiatives.Ability to walk frequently throughout the plant and inspect equipment.Comfortable working around finishing equipment and participating in technical evaluations.Working knowledge of computer systems, data processing, and Microsoft Office. Must be able to read and write; clear written and verbal communication is essential. CPR certification required or willingness to obtain.Positive results on departmental KPIs: safety, quality, cost, throughput, and engagement. Achievement of departmental and plant strategic goals.Effective execution of talent development and employee engagement initiatives.Strong internal collaboration and external customer satisfaction.Measurable improvements in machine uptime, product quality, and cost control.

Requirements:  4 Year college degree required. 2+ years' leadership experience required Previous experience in a manufacturing setting preferred. Self-motivated, organized, detail-oriented & able to effectively multi-task. Communicate effectively with all levels of management and associates. Leadership Competencies: Build Trusting Relationships Drive Results Coach and Support Delegate Authority Demonstrate Inclusive Leadership

Work Shift

8 Hr non-rotating shift, Hrs fall to in punch day, Observed Calendar, shift starts AM

Shaw Industries is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.