Laboratory and Pilot Plant Operations Coordinator

Unilever; Wirral; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A major FMCG company in Wirral seeks a Laboratory & Pilot Plant Operations Coordinator for its R&D facility. This full-time role requires a strong background in laboratory operations and chemical handling, providing vital support to lab personnel. Key accountabilities include delivering technical assistance, maintaining safety standards, and overseeing stock levels. The position promises competitive pay and a vibrant working environment, with numerous employee benefits and accessibility options.

Benefits

Free onsite parking

Staff shop discounts

In-house catering outlets

Qualifications

• Experience as a laboratory/scientific facilities coordinator or pilot plant experience.
• Familiarity with chemical dispensing and laboratory safety protocols.
• Ability to maintain laboratory safety and housekeeping standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver technical support to lab users regarding facility setups.
• Maintain stock levels of raw materials and PPE.
• Coordinate with service providers for goods tracking.
• Support day-to-day activities in labs and pilot plants.

Skills

Laboratory operational requirements

Chemical handling protocols

Customer service

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Proficient in IT tools

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

LIMS

Power BI

Power Apps

Job description

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 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 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.