Synthomer
Head of Global Pensions and Benefits
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Synthomer
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.
The Opportunity
This is a high-impact role responsible for shaping and delivering Synthomer's global pensions and benefits strategy. Reporting to the VP Total Rewards, you will provide expert guidance on pensions and benefits governance, risk management and policy development, ensuring our programmes remain competitive, compliant and aligned with our business and people objectives.
You will work closely with senior leaders including the CFO, HR leadership team, external advisors, pension trustees and governance committees, helping to drive an engaging employee value proposition while effectively managing financial, compliance and reputational risk.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Define and lead the global pensions and benefits strategy, ensuring alignment with Synthomer's broader people and business objectives.
- Provide global oversight and direction for pensions and benefits policies, ensuring they remain competitive, sustainable and fit for purpose.
- Drive continuous improvement across pensions and benefits frameworks, processes and governance.
Governance, Risk and Compliance
- Ensure pension and benefit plans are effectively governed, administered and compliant with local legislative requirements.
- Identify, evaluate and manage strategic pension and benefits risks and opportunities.
- Partner with the CFO and lead pensions and benefits reporting and recommendations to the Audit Committee.
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Pensions Expertise
- Provide strategic oversight and support for UK and US pension arrangements, including legacy defined benefit schemes.
- Develop and manage the roadmap towards buyout for legacy UK and US defined benefit pension plans.
- Act as the subject matter expert on pension governance, funding, trustee engagement and risk management.
- Provide strategic support and guidance on pension and benefits arrangements globally, with particular focus on the UK and United States.
Benefits Strategy
- Lead the ongoing review and benchmarking of global benefits programmes to ensure market competitiveness and employee engagement.
- Partner with local HR teams to design, review and implement effective benefits programmes that meet local market needs.
- Develop and maintain robust governance and evaluation processes for all major pension and benefits providers.
Capability Building and Projects
- Build pensions and benefits expertise across the global HR community, sharing knowledge and best practice.
- Support mergers, acquisitions and business transformation activity through specialist pensions and benefits expertise.
- Contribute to broader Total Rewards initiatives, including projects such as pay transparency, reward harmonisation and employee experience enhancement.
About You
We're looking for a collaborative and commercially minded pensions and benefits leader who combines deep technical expertise with strategic thinking and excellent stakeholder management skills.
Essential Experience
- 10+ years' experience within pensions and benefits, gained within a global organisation or leading consultancy
- Deep knowledge of the management, governance and operation of pension schemes in the UK and US
- Proven experience developing and implementing global benefits strategies
- Strong understanding of pensions and benefits governance, compliance and risk management
- Experience working with pension trustees, governance committees and senior executive stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels
Desirable Experience
- Experience leading a defined benefit pension scheme through a buyout process.
- Experience supporting pensions and benefits aspects of mergers, acquisitions or major corporate transactions.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic, analytical and commercially focused.
- Strong continuous improvement mindset with the confidence to challenge established practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing executive papers and delivering presentations to senior audiences.
- Ability to simplify complex topics and make them accessible and engaging.
- Collaborative approach with a proven ability to build strong cross-functional relationships.
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Why Join Synthomer?
At Synthomer, you'll have the opportunity to influence a critical aspect of our global people strategy, working with senior leaders across the organisation and making a tangible impact on the experience and wellbeing of our employees worldwide.
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
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.
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