Design Director, Resilient & Laminate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director, Resilient & Laminate

Company: Shaw Industries

Location: Dalton, GA, United States (with flexibility for Cartersville, GA; Chattanooga, TN; Calhoun, GA)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & Product Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design strategy and creative direction for Shaw's resilient and laminate flooring product portfolios within the residential market.

• Drive product differentiation and market competitiveness by translating deep consumer insights and emerging trends into commercially viable and innovative collections.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Marketing, Sales, Innovation, Manufacturing, and Sourcing, to ensure successful New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives.

• Develop and execute category roadmaps that align with overarching business objectives, growth opportunities, and channel-specific needs across various residential segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly strategic and requires a blend of creative vision, market acumen, and operational execution within the flooring industry. The "Operations" aspect lies in the systematic approach to design strategy, portfolio management, product development lifecycle, and cross-functional alignment for revenue generation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Leadership: Define and own the long-term design vision and strategy for Residential Resilient & Laminate categories, creating category roadmaps aligned with consumer trends and business objectives.

• Product Differentiation: Develop and enforce distinct design points of view for each assigned brand within the portfolio, ensuring clear separation and compelling value propositions to avoid visual duplication and competitive overlap.

• Customer & Market Focus: Actively participate in customer visits, dealer councils, and Voice of Customer reviews to gather insights, translating them into actionable product and design strategies that address evolving consumer preferences and competitive landscapes.

• Channel & Geographic Expertise: Cultivate a deep understanding of channel-specific (Retail, Builder/Multifamily, Home Center) and regional design preferences, adapting product strategies to meet diverse market needs and growth opportunities.

• Collaboration & Alignment: Serve as the primary design leader for the category, fostering strong relationships across Product, Marketing, Sales, Innovation, Manufacturing, and Sourcing to ensure cohesive product vision and drive business growth through design excellence.

• Innovation & Pipeline Management: Partner with the Design Studio to prioritize future design development, Voice of Customer testing, and regional assortment strategies, maintaining a robust pipeline of market-ready concepts that create a competitive advantage.

• Team Development & Mentorship: Lead, coach, and develop category collection designers, fostering a culture of innovation, consumer-focused thinking, and continuous learning to build organizational capability and future design talent.

• KPI Management: Drive and manage Design KPIs, ensuring eloquent execution of NPD and NPI initiatives, contributing to timely delivery of design projects aligned with product launch dates and positive market reception of new designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on strategic planning, market analysis, and cross-functional leadership, which are critical operational components of a design-led product development process in a large manufacturing organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Fine Arts, Textile Design, or a related field.

• Advanced degree or specialized design certifications are desirable. Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of product design experience, with a proven track record in design leadership roles.

• Experience within the hard surface flooring, soft surface flooring, or tile industry is strongly preferred.

• Experience with brand strategy development and execution is preferred. Required Skills:

• Design Strategy & Vision: Ability to define and articulate a compelling long-term design vision and strategy for product categories.

• Portfolio Development: Proven ability to create and manage a diverse product portfolio that meets market demands and brand objectives.

• Creative Direction: Strong aesthetic sense and intuitive understanding of color, materials, and design principles to guide creative output.

• Consumer Insights & Market Analysis: Proficiency in translating consumer research, market trends, and competitive activity into actionable design strategies.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse teams (Product, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Sourcing).

• Team Leadership & Development: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.

• Presentation & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present design concepts and strategies clearly and persuasively to global stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• AVA CAD/CAM Proficiency: Experience or familiarity with AVA CAD/CAM software is desired, indicating technical aptitude for design execution.

• Brand Strategy Expertise: Deeper experience in developing and implementing brand strategies that influence product design and market positioning.

• Global Business Acumen: Ability to understand and navigate global market nuances, design preferences, and business practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-generated experience level of "5-10 years" is a reasonable inference given the "5+ Years" requirement and the senior "Director" title, suggesting a need for significant experience beyond the minimum. The emphasis on "brand strategy" as preferred highlights its importance in aligning design with market positioning.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a track record of successful product design and team leadership is a mandatory requirement.

• The portfolio should demonstrate the candidate's ability to translate consumer insights and market trends into commercially successful product collections.

• Examples of how design leadership has directly contributed to product differentiation and competitive advantage within a specific market should be evident.

• The portfolio should illustrate the candidate's process for developing category roadmaps and managing a product pipeline from concept to launch. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their process for developing design strategies that align with business objectives and channel-specific needs.

• The ability to describe methodologies for market research, trend analysis, and the integration of Voice of Customer feedback into the design process is crucial.

• Understanding and articulating the process for collaborating with cross-functional teams (Product, Marketing, Sales, Manufacturing, Sourcing) throughout the New Product Development (NPD) and New Product Introduction (NPI) lifecycle is essential.

• The process for fostering innovation, managing design KPIs, and ensuring timely delivery of design projects aligned with product launch dates should be demonstrable.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the "portfolio" is not just a collection of past work but a demonstration of strategic thinking, process management, and leadership impact. The emphasis is on how they approach design challenges and manage the process of bringing successful products to market, which aligns with operational excellence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Director role in the flooring or interior design sector in the Dalton, GA region, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is $120,000 - $170,000 annually. This range accounts for the strategic nature of the role, leadership responsibilities, and the specific expertise required in product design and brand strategy within a large manufacturing organization. The precise salary will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and alignment with the company's compensation structure. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) plan with potential company match, supporting long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to promote work-life balance.

• Life and Disability Insurance: Employer-provided life insurance and long-term disability coverage.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support services for personal and professional challenges.

• Shaw Employee Discount: Discounts on Shaw products for personal use.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and career advancement.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours.

• The provided information indicates an "8 Hr non-rotating shift, Hrs fall to in punch day, Observed Calendar, shift starts AM," suggesting a consistent, daytime work schedule. Flexibility may be required during critical product launch phases or for specific cross-functional meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on typical compensation for senior design leadership roles in manufacturing sectors within the specified geographic region, considering the job title, responsibilities, and required experience level. Research sources include industry salary surveys and compensation data for similar roles in the Southeastern United States.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Flooring and surface solutions (residential and commercial). Shaw Industries operates within a competitive and dynamic manufacturing sector, emphasizing innovation, design, and operational efficiency to maintain its market leadership.

Company Size: Over 18,000 associates worldwide, indicating a large, established organization with significant resources and a global reach. This size suggests structured processes, opportunities for specialization, and potential for career advancement.

Founded: Shaw Industries is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. While the exact founding date of Shaw is not provided, its long-standing presence and integration into a conglomerate like Berkshire Hathaway signify stability, robust financial backing, and a commitment to long-term growth.

Team Structure:

• Design Leadership: This role leads a team of category collection designers responsible for the visual and conceptual development of resilient and laminate flooring.

• Cross-functional Integration: The Design Director will work closely with Product Management, Marketing, Sales, Innovation, Manufacturing, and Sourcing departments, requiring strong collaborative relationships and alignment across these functions.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, a Design Director typically reports to a higher-level executive within Product Development, Marketing, or a dedicated Design function, overseeing a specific product category's design strategy.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role emphasizes translating consumer insights and market research into design decisions, indicating a data-informed approach to product development.

• Process Optimization: Responsibilities include developing category roadmaps and managing NPD/NPI, highlighting a focus on efficient and effective product development processes.

• Innovation Focus: The role aims to accelerate innovation and maintain a pipeline of market-ready concepts, underscoring a commitment to forward-thinking design and product solutions.

Company Website: https://www.shawinc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's affiliation with Berkshire Hathaway and its large global presence suggest a culture that values operational excellence, long-term investment, and a structured approach to business. The emphasis on design within this context points to a recognition of design's strategic role in driving revenue and market share.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position (Director level) within the product design and development function, overseeing a significant product category. It requires strategic thinking, team management, and cross-functional influence, positioning it as a key role in driving business outcomes through design innovation.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Vice President or Senior Director of Product Design, Product Management, or a similar senior leadership role. They will, in turn, manage a team of designers, acting as a direct supervisor and mentor.

Operations Impact: The design strategy and product portfolio developed by this role directly impact revenue generation by influencing product appeal, market competitiveness, and customer adoption. Successful design leadership drives brand perception, market share growth, and profitability for the resilient and laminate flooring categories.

Growth Opportunities:

• Vertical Advancement: Potential to advance into higher leadership roles such as VP of Design, Chief Design Officer, or VP of Product Management, overseeing broader product portfolios or entire business units.

• Horizontal Expansion: Opportunity to transition into related leadership roles within Product Management, Brand Strategy, or Innovation, leveraging design expertise in a broader strategic capacity.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product categories or markets, potentially becoming a recognized industry thought leader in resilient and laminate flooring design.

• Cross-Divisional Mobility: With Shaw's extensive brand portfolio, there may be opportunities to contribute to the design strategy of other Shaw brands or product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed not just as a creative position but as a strategic operational leader whose success is measured by tangible business results (revenue, market share, KPIs). The growth opportunities highlight a clear path for operations-focused career progression within a large, diversified company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, implying a traditional office environment within Shaw Industries' facilities. The focus on collaboration and leadership suggests a professional setting conducive to team meetings, design reviews, and stakeholder engagements.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Dalton, GA (Shaw Plant 19), with potential flexibility or collaboration opportunities extending to Cartersville, GA; Chattanooga, TN; and Calhoun, GA. This indicates a regional footprint within the Northwest Georgia/Southeast Tennessee area, known as a hub for the flooring industry.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The environment likely includes meeting rooms, design studios, and common areas that facilitate brainstorming, critique sessions, and cross-functional teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Access to relevant design software (potentially including AVA CAD/CAM), material libraries, and presentation tools will be standard.

• Industry Immersion: Working within a major flooring manufacturer provides an immersive environment where design is closely integrated with manufacturing, R&D, and market feedback loops.

Work Schedule: The stated work schedule is an "8 Hr non-rotating shift, Hrs fall to in punch day, Observed Calendar, shift starts AM," indicating a consistent, daytime schedule. While this provides structure, the nature of design leadership often requires occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines, attend critical meetings, or respond to urgent market developments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement underscores the importance of in-person collaboration, team dynamics, and direct engagement with manufacturing and product development processes, which are vital for operational efficiency in a physical product industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit based on the resume and cover letter.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive into the candidate's experience, leadership style, strategic thinking, and understanding of the flooring industry and design principles. Preparation for this stage should focus on demonstrating leadership impact and strategic vision.

3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design process, leadership contributions, and impact on business objectives. This is a critical step for evaluating design acumen and communication skills.

4. Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and potentially Manufacturing/Innovation to assess collaboration capabilities, understanding of business needs, and ability to align design with broader company goals.

5. Executive/VP Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to evaluate strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall leadership potential for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, process management, and quantifiable impact on business results (e.g., revenue growth, market share, successful product launches).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role and process, the solutions developed, and the measurable outcomes or learnings. Focus on the "why" behind design decisions.

• Highlight Leadership: Showcase examples of how you've led teams, mentored designers, and influenced cross-functional partners.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your methodology for market research, trend analysis, consumer insight integration, and collaboration throughout the NPD lifecycle.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and leadership (e.g., sales figures, customer feedback scores, market reception).

• Tailor to Shaw: Research Shaw's brands, product lines, and market position to tailor your presentation and highlight how your expertise aligns with their strategic direction.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to resilient or laminate flooring, focusing on how you would approach strategy development, trend integration, and cross-functional alignment.

• Practice articulating your design philosophy and how it translates into actionable plans for a large organization like Shaw.

• Prepare to discuss how you measure the success of design initiatives and what KPIs you prioritize.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a rigorous evaluation of both creative leadership and operational/strategic capabilities, as expected for a Director-level role in a large manufacturing company. The portfolio review is paramount for demonstrating how design translates into business value.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Proficiency in design tools is expected. While not strictly mandatory, "AVA CAD/CAM skills are desired," indicating a preference for candidates familiar with specialized software used in textile and flooring design for pattern creation, colorways, and visualization. Standard industry design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) is also implied.

• Project Management Tools: Likely used for tracking NPD/NPI timelines, task management, and cross-functional coordination. Examples could include Asana, Jira, Monday.com, or Microsoft Project.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for team communication, file sharing, and virtual meetings. Examples include Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and SharePoint.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Market Research Tools: Access to and utilization of tools for trend forecasting, consumer behavior analysis, and competitive intelligence (e.g., WGSN, Mintel, internal market research databases).

• BI/Dashboard Tools: While not the primary focus, familiarity with business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) might be beneficial for understanding sales data, market performance, and KPI tracking to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly managed, understanding how product design impacts CRM data (e.g., product attributes, customer segmentation) and how sales feedback from CRM can inform design is advantageous.

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Familiarity with PLM software, which helps manage product data and workflows from concept to end-of-life, is often relevant in manufacturing environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "AVA CAD/CAM" is a specific technical skill that differentiates this role from a purely conceptual design position. It points to the need for a designer who understands the technical execution aspects of flooring product development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Deliver Compelling Communication: Emphasis on clear, persuasive communication across all levels and functions, crucial for aligning diverse teams around design vision.

• Initiate Action & Drive Execution: A proactive approach to driving projects forward, demonstrating ownership and accountability for design outcomes and product launch success.

• Innovate: A culture that encourages creative thinking, exploration of new ideas, and the development of forward-looking product concepts that drive market differentiation.

• Build Trusting Relationships: Fostering strong, collaborative partnerships internally with stakeholders and externally with customers to ensure design solutions meet diverse needs.

• Demonstrate Customer Orientation: A deep commitment to understanding and serving customer needs, using insights to guide design decisions and create products that resonate in the market.

• Thought Leadership: Encouraging individuals to be experts in their domain, sharing insights and influencing strategic direction within their areas of responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role necessitates a highly collaborative style, working seamlessly with Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and Manufacturing to ensure design is integrated holistically into the product development process.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that values constructive feedback and continuous improvement, where design processes are regularly reviewed and optimized based on team input and market performance.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an environment where designers share insights, best practices, and learnings to collectively elevate the team's capabilities and foster innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed competencies and values highlight a culture that balances creative innovation with disciplined execution and strong interpersonal skills, essential for a leadership role in a large, matrixed organization like Shaw Industries.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Identities: Ensuring distinct design language and visual differentiation across multiple residential brands within the resilient and laminate categories can be complex.

• Speed-to-Market vs. Innovation: Achieving rapid product development cycles while fostering genuine innovation requires efficient processes and strategic prioritization.

• Global Market Nuances: Adapting design strategies to meet diverse regional preferences, competitive landscapes, and regulatory requirements across different geographies.

• Technical Constraints: Collaborating effectively with manufacturing and sourcing to ensure design concepts are feasible, cost-effective, and technically sound within production capabilities.

• Market Volatility: Navigating rapidly changing consumer trends, economic shifts, and competitive pressures requires agility and foresight in design strategy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques & Trends: Access to industry conferences, trend forecasting services, and specialized workshops to stay ahead of design innovation.

• Leadership & Management Skills: Opportunities for executive coaching, leadership training programs, and mentorship to enhance management and strategic decision-making capabilities.

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge of flooring materials, manufacturing processes, and market dynamics through hands-on experience and cross-functional exposure.

• Cross-Category Exposure: Potential to gain exposure to design challenges and strategies for other product categories within Shaw Industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges identified are typical for senior design leadership roles in dynamic manufacturing industries, emphasizing the need for strategic problem-solving and continuous adaptation. The growth opportunities are framed within the context of professional development and career advancement within Shaw.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a long-term design strategy for a product category like resilient or laminate flooring. How do you incorporate market trends, consumer insights, and business objectives?" (Focus on strategic planning, data integration, and alignment.)

• "How do you ensure distinct design differentiation between multiple brands within the same product category? Provide an example from your past experience." (Highlight brand strategy, portfolio management, and visual coherence.)

• "Walk us through a challenging New Product Development (NPD) project you led. What were the key obstacles, how did you collaborate with cross-functional teams, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Emphasize leadership, problem-solving, collaboration, and results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Shaw Industries and our position in the flooring market? How do you see your design leadership contributing to our strategic goals?" (Showcase research and alignment with company mission.)

• "How would you foster a culture of innovation and consumer-centricity within your design team and across departments?" (Address team development, cultural influence, and customer focus.)

• "Describe your experience working with global teams or markets. What are the key considerations for designing products for diverse regions?" (Assess global awareness and adaptability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio around key themes like "Strategic Vision," "Product Innovation," "Brand Development," and "Leadership Impact."

• Quantify Success: For each project, clearly state the business objectives, your specific contributions, the design process employed, and the measurable results (e.g., sales increase, market share gain, positive customer feedback).

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Be prepared to discuss your thought process, challenges encountered, and how you made decisions, rather than just showing final renderings.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with Sales, Marketing, Product, and Manufacturing teams to bring designs to life.

• Tailor to Shaw: Emphasize projects or styles that align with Shaw's current product offerings and future market direction in resilient and laminate flooring.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating strategic thinking, operational execution, and leadership capabilities, aligning with the Director-level responsibilities and the demands of a large manufacturing organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://shawinc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Dalton-Georgia/Design-Director--Resilient---Laminate_R-156059

• Curate a Strategic Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful design leadership projects that showcase your ability to drive product innovation, manage a portfolio, lead teams, and achieve measurable business results. Ensure it highlights experience in flooring or related industries.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "Design Strategy," "Portfolio Development," "Creative Direction," "Brand Strategy," "NPD/NPI," "Consumer Insights," and "Team Leadership." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear storytelling, quantifiable outcomes, and demonstrating how your skills align with Shaw Industries' needs and culture. Practice articulating your design process and collaborative approach.

• Research Shaw Industries: Thoroughly research Shaw's brands, product lines (especially resilient and laminate flooring), market position, recent innovations, and company values. Understand their competitive landscape and strategic objectives.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.