Synthomer 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.
Innovation Project Manager
Are you passionate about turning ideas into real‑world solutions? Ready to shape the next generation of high‑performance materials and sustainable innovations? If you thrive at the intersection of science, strategy, and cross‑functional leadership — we want to hear from you.
Join us as our Innovation Project Manager, where you will lead impactful new product development (NPD) and innovation projects from concept to commercial launch, working closely with R&D, commercial, operations, and customer‑facing teams.
Why This Role Matters
As Innovation Project Manager, you’ll be the engine driving our innovation pipeline. Your work will accelerate growth, strengthen our customer offering, and support our commitment to sustainability. You’ll ensure every project is delivered with clarity, discipline, and pace — governed through a robust Stage Gate process.
What You’ll Be Doing
Project Planning & Execution
1. Develop complete project plans (scope, timelines, risks, milestones) aligned with Synthomer’s Stage Gate process.
2. Coordinate technical, commercial, and operational activities to bring new products to market.
3. Maintain clear, audit‑ready project documentation and governance.
Stakeholder & Communication Leadership
4. Lead and inspire cross‑functional teams with clarity and purpose.
5. Provide regular updates to senior stakeholders including the VP Innovation & Sustainability.
6. Ensure seamless communication between R&D, commercial, and operations teams.
Risk, Issue & Change Management
7. Identify and mitigate risks using structured risk registers.
8. Manage scope, resource, and priority changes through appropriate governance.
9. Escalate critical issues early to protect project timelines.
Customer & Market Connection
10. Translate customer needs into actionable technical and project requirements.
11. Partner with commercial teams to validate market fit and ensure smooth customer trials.
Performance Tracking & Reporting
12. Track and report progress using KPIs such as timeline adherence, cost to develop, and readiness levels.
13. Prepare gate packs and progress projects through established governance milestones.
Continuous Improvement
14. Champion best practices in planning, risk management, and resource visibility.
15. Promote structured tools including MS Project, Smartsheet, risk registers, and standardised reporting.
16. Support portfolio reviews and help build a transparent, efficient innovation pipeline.
What You’ll Bring
Education
17. Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Business or a related field.
18. Preferred: PRINCE2, PMP, APM, or equivalent certifications
Experience
19. 4–5 years’ project management experience, ideally within:Chemicals, materials, coatings, polymers, food and Pharma related technical industries.Innovation, R&D, or new product development environments.Cross‑functional delivery roles using structured project tools.
Key Skills
20. Strong organisational and planning capability
21. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
22. Strong influence and collaboration skills essential
23. Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication
24. Familiarity with Stage Gate processes
25. Strong analytical and technical interpretation capability
26. Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Risk Registers, Smartsheet, etc.)
🌍 Global Benefits Overview
27. 💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation
28. 🎯 Discretionary global bonus scheme
29. 📈 Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
30. 🚗 Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
31. 🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
32. 👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
33. 🏡 Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
34. 📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
35. 💙 Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
36. 🌱 Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
37. 🤝 Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
38. 🏆 Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes