Packaging Technician

Manpower; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an interim Packaging Technician in Liverpool to support packaging functions for a leading FMCG client. Responsibilities include executing packaging tests, ensuring safety in the lab, and managing sample flows. The role demands strong analytical skills, familiarity with lab practices, and effective collaboration within a team. An academic background in science or engineering is preferred. This is a full-time temporary position offering competitive pay, with a commitment to sustainability through innovation in packaging.

Qualifications

• Experience in a packaging role preferred but not essential.
• Excellent planning and time management skills.
• Safety training: RA, Manual Handling, CoSHH assessment.

Responsibilities

• Support project execution through packaging functional tests.
• Provide accurate testing reports with recommendations.
• Assist in developing packaging specifications.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Analytical thinking

Fluent PC skills including Excel

Planning and time management skills

Collaboration and interpersonal skills

Education

Academic degree in science/engineering

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Overview

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Packaging Technician to work with our global FMCG client Unilever, renowned for brands such as Dove, Sure, Persil, and Simple. This is a full-time temporary role based at Unilever's scientific Research & Development facility in Port Sunlight Village, Wirral. The position runs for 6 months, requiring 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation is competitive, up to £34,672 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

Background: Unilever is committed to creating a Waste-Free World through its packaging strategy. The company is re-inventing packaging materials and technologies to support a circular, waste-free and net zero future. The Centre will enable and accelerate the creation of novel packaging solutions focused on reducing virgin plastic and expanding a world-class packaging materials capability through strong partnerships and ecosystems. This is a high-performing, diverse and inclusive team with a strong scientific/engineering background, courage and curiosity, and a passion for sustainability and delivery.

Purpose: As a Packaging Technician in the Central Packaging Group, you will support the Post Consumer Recycled (PCR) Plastics Technology program. The role covers coordinating samples, conducting packaging laboratory testing & validation, capturing and reporting accurate data, and supporting on-site moulding trials. You will collaborate with various business groups to ensure timely project delivery that supports Unilever's sustainability commitments and help maintain a safe, efficient, and well-organised packaging lab environment in Port Sunlight.

Responsibilities

• Support project execution through planning, set-up, and completion of packaging functional tests.
• Provide clear, accurate measurement & testing reports, with conclusions and recommendations, and drive consistent data output via digital tools in line with functional excellence guidelines.
• Assist in the development of packaging specifications.
• Manage job request systems to ensure organised, prioritised equipment scheduling and timely delivery of results.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment by adhering to risk assessments and standard operating procedures.
• Manage daily packaging sample flow, including cataloguing and outbound shipments.
• Attend on-site moulding trials, supporting the packaging workstream lead and machine operator to ensure smooth execution of activities.
• Leverage digital tools to support efficient project delivery and operations.

All About You

• We are looking for someone with the right attitude and core competencies. Experience in a packaging role is a bonus but not essential.
• Academic degree in science/engineering preferred but not required.
• Laboratory experience, ideally in a packaging context.
• Experience or appreciation in Packaging and/or Engineering/Manufacturing.
• Experience in laboratory measurement and testing equipment.
• Fluent PC skills including Excel (formulas and graphs), PowerPoint & Word.
• Excellent planning and time management skills; high level of rigour in data handling and strong analytical thinking.
• Effective collaboration and interpersonal skills to work within a team of experts; clear and confident communication.
• A quick learner who takes initiative and acts proactively to get things done.
• Safety training: at minimum RA, Manual Handling, CoSHH assessment and ISOSH Working Safely.
• Good understanding of Good Laboratory Practice.
• Basic understanding of packaging moulding technologies (e.g., Extrusion Blow Moulding and Injection Moulding) is preferred but not required.

Job Info

• Job Title: Packaging Technician (Interim)
• Company: Manpower
• Location: Liverpool, Merseyside
• Posted: Feb 4th 2026
• Closes: Mar 7th 2026
• Sector: Medical, Pharmaceutical & Scientific
• Contract: Temporary
• Hours: Full Time