Synthomer plc is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients that play vital roles in key sectors such as coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection – growing markets that serve billions of end users worldwide. Headquartered in London, UK and publicly listed there since 1971, we employ c.3,900 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites across Europe, North America and Asia. Around 20% of our sales volumes are from new and patent protected products.
At our innovation centres of excellence in the UK, Germany, China, Malaysia and Ohio, USA we collaborate closely with our customers to develop new products and enhance existing ones tailored to their needs, with an increasing range of sustainability benefits. Since 2021, we have been proud holders of the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark, which recognises green technology businesses making a significant contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.
About the Role
As a Process Engineer at Synthomer Harlow, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and executing technical strategies that enhance production capability, efficiency, and safety. You’ll lead initiatives to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by identifying and resolving plant performance issues—particularly those affecting rate and quality—and act as a key deputy to the Technical Plant Manager, supporting critical operations and driving continuous improvement across the site.
🔧 What You’ll Be Leading
Strategic Impact
1. Shape and implement technical strategies aligned with site and company goals
2. Deliver OEE improvements by tackling rate and quality losses head-on
3. Support CAPEX projects from scoping to commissioning
Process Excellence
4. Lead continuous improvement initiatives and Six Sigma activities (RFT, DMAIC)
5. Facilitate root cause analysis and troubleshoot production challenges
6. Represent the Process Team in daily performance reviews
Safety & Compliance
7. Act as deputy for process safety and support SHE improvement plans
8. Liaise with HSE and other authorities to close out actions
9. Support shutdowns and pre-start safety reviews
Leadership & Collaboration
10. Mentor junior technical staff and undergraduates
11. Champion lean tools like 5S, RCPS, and PD-board meetings
12. Collaborate across Process, Maintenance, QC, Production, and Sales
🎯 What You Bring
13. Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (or similar) approx 3 - 5 years industrial experience
14. Deep understanding of COMAH, SHE, and process safety systems
15. Proven track record in chemical manufacturing environments
16. Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills
17. Ability to juggle multiple priorities and drive results
🤝 Interfaces That Matter - You’ll work closely with:
18. Process Team
19. Maintenance
20. QC
21. Production
22. Technical Service & Sales
📩 Ready to Apply?
If you're passionate about driving technical excellence and making a real impact at Synthomer Harlow—and you're currently employed by the organisation, but seeking your next big challenge—this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Step up, stand out, and help shape the future of our site. We’d love to hear from you.
Synthomer Strategy Video: