Vice President Polymers-London-Full Time

Synthomer is an innovative and differentiated global leader in sustainable polymer solutions. The Group is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of water based polymers and has leadership positions in many markets. Our polymers help customers create innovative new products and enhance the performance of existing products in key industries such as coatings, construction, adhesives, textiles, paper and nitrile medical gloves.

With the acquisition of Eastman Adhesive Resins in 2022 and Omnova Solutions in 2020, Synthomer grew its global manufacturing network, expanded its product portfolio and boosted its geographical presence, allowing it to better serve over 6000 customers around the world. Synthomer has its operational headquarters in London, UK, and provides customer-focused services from regional centres in Harlow, UK; Marl, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beachwood, Ohio, USA. It employs more than 5000 employees across over 40 sites and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Vice President Polymers – Adhesive Solutions Division

Location: Based within Europe

Are you ready to lead a transformative journey in the specialty chemicals industry?

We are seeking a Vice President for Polymers in our Adhesive Solutions Division. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to drive innovation, deliver profitable growth, and shape the future of our business.

About The Role

As Vice President you will oversee a global segment and lead a commercial function for Europe & Asia. Your mission will be to:

• Develop and execute business strategies for long-term growth
• Deliver on Growth, Margin and EBITDA targets, ensuring commercial business generation, operational efficiency and financial success
• Drive innovation through customer-focused R&D and optimised marketing investments
• Ensure supply chain resilience by collaborating with procurement and plant operations teams
• Support a culture of safety, health, and environmental excellence across global sites
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team to deliver exceptional results

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Shape the division’s strategic direction, optimising assets and identifying transformational projects to stay ahead in dynamic markets

Customer-Centric Growth: Ensure capturing commercial opportunities, and collaborate with R&D teams to deliver differentiated, market leading product innovation

Financial Accountability: Own and drive financial performance of Polymers business

People Development: Build and mentor a talented global team, driving engagement and performance

Ethical Commercial Practices: Maintain high standards of ethical and sustainable business operations

M&A Contributions: Support strategic mergers and acquisitions to drive growth

SHE Excellence: Foster a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements

Education

What you need to be successful..…..

• Degree in Science, Engineering, or Business

Experience

• Extensive leadership experience in the specialty chemicals industry
• Proven track record in commercial success, international business experience essential
• Visionary leadership, financial acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex, competitive markets
• Professional gravitas, assertive and confident with a high level of personal and professional credibility, presenting to senior stakeholders, including executive management teams
• Strong cultural awareness, adaptability and confidence to operate across geographic regions

Please including a covering letter outlining you’re your suitability for the position, highlighting relevant skills and experience. You should demonstrate your understanding of the position and why you are an ideal candidate.

Why Synthomer?

At Synthomer, innovation is at the heart of what we do. Our global teams work together to create sustainable polymer solutions that enhance everyday life. Join a company that values bold leadership, collaboration, and growth, offering you the chance to make a lasting impact.

Why Synthomer?

We are ambitious!

We have grown significantly – both organically and inorganically. We are a FTSE 250 listed company, 22% of our revenue comes from newly commercialized products, and we’re recognized in the top-quartile for chemicals manufacturing safety.

We believe in high challenge, high support!

We are keen to let you contribute in real roles from day 1. We expect a lot, but offer a lot, too. This includes onboarding, induction and learning events, networking opportunities, mentoring and personal development planning. So, be up for an inspiring long-term career adventure.

We personalize our approach to development!

At Synthomer, you won’t find generic career tracks or development programs but rather a one-size-fits-one approach to employee development. We’ll partner with you to ensure you have the right experiences that build your capabilities and accelerate your career growth.