Laboratory & Pilot Plant Operations Coordinator

Posting date:	21 January 2026
Salary:	£31,205 to £36,000 per year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	20 February 2026
Location:	Port Sunlight, Merseyside, CH62 4UY
Remote working:	On-site only
Company:	Manpower UK Limited
Job type:	Temporary
Job reference:	BBBH431349_1768995691

Summary

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.