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General Information

Job ID
ATR60560
Posting Job Title
Laboratory Supervisor
Locations
VA Richmond Innovation Design Ctr
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
02-Apr-2026
Relocation Support
Yes

Description & Requirements

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

LABORATORY SUPERVISOR


The Opportunity: 

The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for managing the lab and delegating and supervising the daily tasks of the team in support of WestRock’s testing operations.   They oversee a team of technicians and lead laboratory associate, and they report to the Lab Director.

 

  • Supervise the training/onboarding process of new technicians by teaching test methods directly and/or pairing them up with a technician that can teach them test methods and reporting.
  • Assigning projects that ensure each of our lab technicians have some exposure/experience with a broad range of test methods and projects. This ensures we have backups to run tests when our Subject Matter Experts are not in the office/lab.
  • work together with the Lead Laboratory Associate for unusual and custom test methods to demonstrate and train the rest of the team on this new method of testing.  The Lead Lab Associate typically documents test methods in our internal procedures manual and sends them to the Lab Supervisor and Lab Director for final review and approval.
  • Discuss results with our internal or external customers to interpret data for root cause analysis, assisting R&D, working with internal customers, designers, etc.
  • Periodically the Lab Supervisor will be asked to assemble a PowerPoint deck to communicate findings to internal customers within WestRock or to External box customers.  This can be either in person or through Microsoft Teams Meetings.
  • For larger and more in-depth projects, it is sometimes necessary to put together a test plan to outline all that is necessary to complete the project; and break it down into manageable parts.  This usually starts with an outline written in Microsoft Word.
  • Prioritize projects when needed based on critical business needs for WestRock and our customers.
  • Perform test procedures according to TAPPI or other methods to support the needs of WestRock and our customers.  This includes testing for the purposes of product development, design qualification, root-cause analysis, quality checks, and any other type of testing requests that are submitted to the lab.  
  • Ability to write detailed test reports using Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and data interpretation/analysis as needed.
  • Delegate leadership duties to the Lead Lab Associate as well as assist, support, and provide back-up for the duties of the Lead Lab Associate.
  • Promote and facilitate a safe working environment by taking a leadership role in facility safety within the test lab.  Also provide leadership to the team in an effort to keep the lab organized and clean.  Ensure equipment is in good working order as well as current on calibration.

 

What you need to succeed:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Field: Preferably Packaging Science, Engineering, Chemistry, Biology.    
  • 5-10 Years Corrugated Industry, Laboratory, or other Packaging Related Work Experience in a technical role. 
  • Supervisory Experience Preferred
  • Strong communication and presentation skills

 

What we offer

  • Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
  • Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
  • An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
  • A generous benefits package starting on your first day of employment, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401k match, paid time off
  • A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

 

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.