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.
As Shift Manager, you will take operational responsibility for the Alcotex and LHA/Specialities plants during your shift. You will lead a team of 2 Team Leaders and up to 9 Chemical Process Operators while ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance.
Your Responsibilities Will Include:
Operational Leadership
1. Oversee the safe, efficient running of production plants
2. Troubleshoot plant issues and escalate to the Production Manager
3. Maintain accurate shift logs, SAP inputs, and daily performance data
4. Ensure correct OEE/GLA capture by operators
5. Manage and maintain an up‑to‑date shift rota
Safety, Health & Environment (SHE)
6. Enforce Synthomer’s SHE policies and site procedures
7. Act as Operational Incident Controller during emergencies
8. Report and investigate incidents and near misses in AIMS
9. Issue Permits‑to‑Work (PTW) and maintain Safe Systems of Work
People Leadership
10. Lead, mentor, and support your shift team
11. Conduct performance reviews and return‑to‑work interviews
12. Manage performance investigations when required
13. Assess training needs and maintain operator competency matrices
14. Deliver shift briefings and support Operator Care activities
Continuous Improvement & Compliance
15. Recommend and drive improvements in areas such asmanufacturing efficiencyproduct qualitycapacity and costsite KPI performance
16. Participate in Root Cause Analyses (RCA) and implement actions
17. Support shutdown planning, projects, and permit processes
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Qualifications
18. Degree or equivalent, or at least 7 years of varied manufacturing experience with people management responsibility
19. Experience in chemical, industrial, or heavy manufacturing environments (COMAH experience an advantage)
20. Strong leadership capability with a focus on safety and quality
Skills
21. Confident decision-maker with excellent communication skills
22. Strong organisational skills with attention to detail
23. Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Office)
24. Comfortable working within structured systems such as SAP
Shift Pattern
25. 12‑hour shifts
26. 4 on 4 off with a 10 day rest period built in to shift cycle
27. Full responsibility for site operations outside normal office hours
Why Join Synthomer?
At Synthomer, we are a global leader in specialty chemicals, supplying essential materials to industries worldwide. As a Shift Manager, you will:
28. Play a key leadership role in a Lower Tier COMAH site
29. Influence daily operations and people development
30. Drive continuous improvement and world‑class SHE standards
31. Be empowered to make decisions that directly impact site performance