Packaging Digital & Lab Manager

Unilever; Wirral; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer goods company in the UK is seeking a Digital & Lab Manager for their Homecare Packaging division. The successful candidate will lead the digital transformation efforts, drive the adoption of AI technologies, and manage operational capabilities within the packaging lab. The role requires a strong background in packaging and engineering, along with passion for data-driven processes and continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the future of sustainable packaging.

Qualifications

• Passion for digital transformation, AI technologies and data-driven improvement.
• Good understanding of packaging line machinery and laboratory operations.
• Familiarity with data modelling, simulation, and digital tool development.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute the digital direction for Homecare Packaging.
• Accelerate the adoption of digital tools, automation and AI across packaging workflows.
• Ensure full compliance with safety standards in lab operations.

Skills

Digital transformation

AI technologies

Data-driven improvement

Packaging experience

Curiosity

Education

Background in packaging, science, engineering or data

Tools

Data modelling tools

Automation tools

Job description

Homecare Packaging – Digital & Lab Manager

Work Level: 2A

Reports to: Senior Packaging Innovation & Capability Manager

Location: Port Sunlight UK

In Unilever’s Home Care business, we are committed to delivering a Brighter way to clean through our Bright Future strategy. Our bold ambition is to deliver unmissably superior products for our consumers that bring value to the business and radically reduce our virgin plastic use. The Packaging team is pivotal to achieving this ambition by designing consumer-preferred innovation that meets our industry‑leading sustainability commitments. Our brands – Persil / Omo, Comfort, Domestos, and Sunlight – have a global footprint, large packaging portfolios and extensive consumer reach, making the global packaging team an exciting place to work for anyone who is a creative thinker and has a passion for making a difference. We are looking for someone who has packaging experience, loves learning fast, has passion for exploring new digital tools, data captures and AI technologies, and translating them into new workflows to accelerate and strengthen packaging development and validation.

JOB PURPOSE

This role leads the digital, data agenda within Home Care packaging. Drives innovation and capability development across packaging lab and Advanced Manufacturing Centre (AMC). This role will champion the integration of digital tools, data‑driven processes, and AI technologies to accelerate packaging innovation and operational excellence.

Main Responsibilities

• Digital Transformation – Digital First Leadership (70%)
  • Lead boldly in the digital space, shape and execute the digital direction for Homecare Packaging, aligned to business priorities.
  • Explore emerging digital technologies and new opportunities, forward‑looking goals to position digital as a key enabler of innovation and efficiency.
  • Accelerate the adoption of digital tools, automation and AI across packaging workflows.
  • Own the data, modelling and simulation strategy, ensuring it meets current and future needs.
  • Lead the simulation programme and support modelling activities across global projects.
  • Drive structured data capture to enable better insights, predictive tools and smarter workflows.
  • Connect digital work to the bigger picture, represent Homecare Packaging in digital forums (Digital CoP, ITIB, Data Quality CoP, Transformation Team, etc.).
  • Lead the digital community, guide and uplift the team’s digital awareness, including the adoption and effective use of AI tools.
• Packaging Lab Management (20%)
  • Shape the capability, operating model and long‑term development strategy for the Packaging Lab, ensuring efficient and digitally‑enabled ways of working.
  • Provide leadership across lab communities, ensuring effective connection of lab operations to digital workstreams (data capture, automation, modelling input, etc.).
  • Ensure full compliance with safety standards (Risk Assessments, COSHH, PUWER).
• AMC (10%)
  • Lead and maintain AMC capability, operations, safety and Injection Mould governance.
  • Drive AMC evolution in line with the digital‑first agenda to support future development needs.

About You

• Passion for digital transformation, AI technologies and data‑driven and continuous improvement.
• Background in packaging, science, engineering or data.
• Good understanding of packaging line machinery and laboratory operations.
• Familiarity with data modelling, simulation, and digital tool development.
• Curiosity and a fast‑learning mindset; someone who enjoys exploring new tools and turning insights into action.
• Ability to lead capability‑building initiatives and influence cultural change.