Graduate Laboratory & Pilot Plant Operations Coordinator

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Laboratory & Pilot Plant Operations Coordinator to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at our client’s scientific Research & Development facility in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral easily accessible by train and car. This is a full-time temporary role to run until the end of July 2026, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Compensation for this role is competitive, paying between £31,205-£36,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

As part of Unilever’s ongoing initiative within the Port Sunlight R&D laboratories to improve efficiencies, a new Operational Excellence Team has been created. The role of this team is to support the day-to-day activities of scientists working in our labs and pilot plants and to ensure a safe, efficient and well-maintained facility. The team will focus on the implementation of new and optimised processes with a view to driving continual improvement.

The Laboratory Operational Coordinator role provides a range of support services to the Port Sunlight R&D scientific and engineering community. As an ideal candidate, you'll have a sharp awareness of laboratory operational requirements to ensure maximum productivity and be skilled in laboratory processes, e.g. formulation, characterisation and performance testing etc

Additionally, you'll display a proven ability to follow protocols and processes for efficient operations in a laboratory environment.

Key Accountabilities

· Deliver front line technical support to lab/pilot plant users regarding ways of working, set up of facilities and immediate needs/enquiries.

· Deliver to point of use in laboratories material (chemicals) and associated ancillaries as appropriate.

· Maintain laboratory safety and housekeeping standards in accordance with our established safe working procedures.

· Ensure stock levels of raw materials, consumables and PPE are maintained in core areas.

· Coordinate with third party service providers to ensure goods inwards are correctly logged on LIMs

· Maintain raw material and equipment information dossiers e.g. SDS, COAs, equipment passports etc

· Decanting and weighing of raw materials for lab and pilot plant scientists

Key Requirements

· Experienced laboratory/scientific facilities coordinator and/or has pilot plant experience.

· Experience of chemical dispensing and handling, including familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and chemical handling procedures.

· Customer facing experience.

· Demonstrates confidence and competence in a laboratory environment and is comfortable handling associated tasks and equipment.

· Exceptional organisational, time management and demonstrate strong communication skills. Can ensure the smooth running of a large laboratory.

· Proficient IT skills e.g. Microsoft tools (Excel, Word). LIMS, Power BI & Power Apps would be advantageous.

Additional Information

Port Sunlight working environment:

· Free onsite parking

· Staff shop discounted products

· Working in state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities

· Free parking onsite

· 5 mins walk to train station serving Liverpool & Chester

· 20-minute drive from Liverpool city centre/30-minutes’ drive from Chester

· Disabled parking

· In the heart of picturesque Port Sunlight village

· There are also several site clubs available to join covering a range of topics including Book Club, Running, Choir, Pool, Genealogy and much more.

· The sites have three catering outlets which provide a range of hot and cold food and drinks daily.

· In addition there are a range of vending machines and cold-water dispensers around the site accessible throughout the day.