Laboratory/Pilot Plant Co-Ordinator

Manpower UK Ltd; Port Sunlight; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A global FMCG organization is seeking a Laboratory/Pilot Plant Coordinator in Port Sunlight. The role involves providing technical support and maintaining safety standards in the laboratory environment. Candidates should have a degree in Chemistry and experience in laboratory coordination. Benefits include onsite parking and a state-of-the-art working environment.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Staff shop discounts

Access to site clubs (e.g., Book Club, Running)

State-of-the-art facilities

Qualifications

• Experienced laboratory/scientific facilities coordinator and/or pilot plant experience.
• Confidence and competence in a laboratory environment and comfort with associated tasks and equipment.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and chemical handling procedures.

Responsibilities

• Deliver frontline technical support to lab/pilot plant users.
• Supply materials (chemicals) and associated ancillaries to laboratories.
• Maintain laboratory safety and housekeeping standards.

Skills

Laboratory operational requirements

Safety protocols

Time management

Communication

IT skills (Excel, Word)

Education

Degree in Chemistry or closely related subject

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Power Apps

Job description

Overview

An excellent opportunity has arisen to join a world leading global organisation. Our global FMCG client (the powerhouse behind brands such as Persil, Surf, Comfort, Domestos and Cif) has an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory/Pilot Plant Co‑Ordinator to be based at the client’s prestigious Research & Development Facility in Port Sunlight, Wirral.

This is a full time, temporary role until the end of December 2025, working 37.5 hours per week, paying between £31,205 – £36,000 per annum, pro rata, depending on experience. Applications are invited from candidates who have a degree in Chemistry or closely related subject.

About U/L

U/L is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries. Ul has more than 400 brands found in homes around the world, including Persil, Dove, Knorr, Domestos, Hellmann’s, Lipton, Wall’s, PG Tips, Ben & Jerry’s, Marmite, Magnum and Lynx. Our purpose is to make sustainable living commonplace.

Background

As part of an ongoing initiative within the Port Sunlight R&D laboratories to improve efficiencies, an Operational Excellence Team has been created. The team supports day-to-day activities of scientists in labs and pilot plants and ensures a safe, efficient and well‑maintained facility. The team focuses on implementing new and optimised processes to drive continual improvement.

Job Purpose

The Laboratory Operational Coordinator provides a range of support services to the Port Sunlight R&D scientific and engineering community. The ideal candidate will 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). You will follow protocols and processes for efficient operations in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver frontline technical support to lab/pilot plant users regarding ways of working, facility setup and immediate needs/enquiries.
• Supply materials (chemicals) and associated ancillaries to laboratories at the point of use as appropriate.
• Maintain laboratory safety and housekeeping standards in accordance with 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).
• Decanting and weighing of raw materials for lab and pilot plant scientists.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experienced laboratory/scientific facilities coordinator and/or pilot plant experience.
• Confidence and competence in a laboratory environment and comfort with associated tasks and equipment.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and chemical handling procedures.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills with strong communication abilities.
• Proficient IT skills (Microsoft Excel, Word); Power BI & Power Apps would be advantageous.

Benefits & Additional Information

• Port Sunlight working environment with free onsite parking and staff shop discounts.
• State‑of‑the‑art laboratory and pilot plant facilities.
• Free parking onsite; 5 minutes walk to train station serving Liverpool & Chester; 20‑minute drive to Liverpool city centre / 30‑minute drive to Chester.
• Disabled parking and access to on‑site catering and vending facilities.
• Various site clubs available (Book Club, Running, Choir, Pool, Genealogy, etc.).