The posting
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.3,500 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 28 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.
What we are looking for:
A visionary, innovative leader to deliver Energy Solutions EBITDA budget including Gross margin, Direct commercial costs and working capital (debtors and stock). Develop business strategies that deliver profitable growth, addressing external change and cost base. Oversee a healthy Innovation & NPD pipeline and processes across the businesses. Enhance organisational capability and commercial excellence. Contribute to M&A activity as required. Delivery of Americas Growth Strategy for CCS, specially short-term commercial delivery and improve the culture, morale in the US across CCS team.
What you'll do:
- Lead the Energy Solutions subdivision in the achievement of EBITDA budget and plan for future growth.
- Develop and drive the delivery of, business strategy over the medium (5YP) and long-term taking account of changing competitive markets and optimising the company’s assets to best serve and win.
- Grow the Energy Transition business into profitability, delivering the 5YP for Batteries and developing and delivering a strategy for other energy transition areas, such as: Carbon Capture, Hydrogen Storage, EES, Geothermal, etc
- Translate strategy into clear execution roadmaps with measurable outcomes.
- Grow the business in the CCS growth regions (Asia & Americas) while maintaining the market positions in Europe, utilising innovation and sustainability.
- Develop and maintain strategic key account relationships to drive revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and long-term business partnerships.
- Identify and sponsor major transformational projects where required to achieve internal change.
- Support the Company values and particularly SHE culture in order to deliver divisional SHE targets metrics.
- Review and influence the procurement strategies for the key raw materials to ensure competitive and reliable supply.
- Provide strong leadership on commercial standards and approach to ensure business is conducted on a sustainable and ethical basis meeting both Group and external regulatory requirements.
- Ensure optimal investment in customer-led R&D to deliver the organic growth ambitions and establish clear differentiation in our markets.
- Manage, guide and coach the direct reports to ensure effective delivery of their businesses, commercial goals and appropriate organisations.
- Drive commercial excellence and value selling to improve margins and profitability.
- Actively contribute to the Divisional and Group strategy and performance with specific reference to exploiting synergies and delivering the growth agenda.
- Create a focus on commercial delivery and increased opportunity closure in US across BU’s, building stronger pipeline of opportunities
- Increased business presence at CCS sites and improve morale & community within the US region.
- Improve discipline, performance in sales function – KPI driven and conduct a region-specific commercial capability assessment both in cooperation with ComEx.
What we need from you:
Education: Science/Engineering/Business master’s degree
Experience: 15+ years in specialty chemicals, energy, or advanced materials. Proven global P&L leadership experience. International business and P&L experience essential.
Deep understanding of:
- Oilfield chemicals / drilling / cementing technologies.
- Energy transition markets (preferred)
Strong commercial, technical, and operational leadership track record
Experience leading global, matrixed organizations
🌍 Global Benefits Overview
- 💰 Competitive, market-aligned compensation
- 🎯 Discretionary global bonus scheme
- 📈 Discretionary Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) – for senior positions
- 🚗 Company car or car allowance – varies by region and role
- 🩺 Healthcare – tailored to regional locations
- 👶 Parental leave and family support – maternity, paternity, adoption (aligned with regional policies)
- 🏡 Working options – flexibility where it matters, based on role and business needs
- 📚 Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
- 💙 Wellbeing support – employee assistance program (EAP), mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
- 🌱 Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
- 🤝 Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
- 🏆 Performance culture, global reward & recognition programmes
