Package Test Lab Manager

at Hanchett Paper Company dba Shorr Packaging Corp. in Aurora, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Together, We Own it! Start your employee owner journey with Shorr Packaging.

The Package Test Lab Manager oversees all operations within the packaging test laboratory, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant testing of packaging materials, components, and finished goods.

This role will lead technicians, manage testing protocols, maintains lab accreditation, and partners with crossfunctional teams to support quality, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. This position requires a high level of both verbal and written communication skills as interactions with customers, both internal and external will be expected daily.

Responsibilities

Lab Operations & Testing Execution
Lab Operations Management: Lead daily lab workflow, scheduling, sample intake, and resource allocation to meet testing timelines and customer commitments
Testing & Validation: Execute and oversee packaging tests (drop, vibration, compression, environmental) ensuring alignment with ISTA, ASTM, and customer specifications
Test Quality & Reporting: Review, validate, and communicate test results; ensure accuracy, consistency, and proper documentation/traceability
Cross-Functional Support: Partner with sales, packaging design, and suppliers to support product development, customer requests, and root cause analysis
Customer & Internal Enablement: Provide recommendations and insights based on testing outcomes to improve packaging performance and reduce risk
Equipment, Quality & Compliance
Equipment Oversight: Ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and validation of all lab equipment (drop testers, vibration tables, compression testers, environmental chambers)
Quality & Compliance: Maintain adherence to safety standards, testing protocols, and applicable certifications (ISTA/ASTM); support audits and resolve discrepancies
People Leadership & Lab Development
Team Leadership: Hire, coach, and develop lab technicians; set expectations and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards
Process & SOP Development: Establish and standardize testing protocols, workflows, and documentation to support scalability and consistency

Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field
Minimum of 5+ years of packaging testing experience including team leadership responsibilities.
Prior experience leading a lab or technical team strongly preferred
Experience with packaging materials (corrugate, plastics, films, protective packaging)
Familiarity with lab equipment such as compression testers, vibration tables, and environmental chambers
Strong knowledge of ISTA, ASTM, Hazmat and TAPPI regulatory packaging standards.
Proven people leadership and team development experience

Compensation
The base pay range for this role is $125,000 - $150,000 per year.

Shorr Packaging does not provide work authorization sponsorship for this position.

Shorr Benefits
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - Together, We Own It!
Comprehensive Employee Benefits: Medical, dental, vision and other insurance coverages
Generous PTO with vacation, sick and floating holidays.
401K plan plus matching
Team based Employee Owner company culture

Shorr Packaging Corp is an equal-opportunity employer. It is the policy of Shorr Packaging Corp to afford full Equal Employment Opportunity, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status or disability status or any other legally protected status.

Shorr Packaging Corporation is an equal-opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. It is the policy of the Shorr Packaging Corporate to afford full Equal Employment Opportunity, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status.