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Site Manager – Harlow, Essex Lead a High-Hazard Manufacturing Site Driving Safety, Performance & Growth
About Synthomer
Synthomer is a leading supplier of high-performance, highly specialised polymers and ingredients, essential for coatings, construction, adhesives, and health and protection—sectors serving billions of global end users. We operate with 5 innovation centres (UK, Germany, China, Malaysia, Ohio, USA) and 29+ manufacturing sites across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Key highlights:
- Publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1971
- £7B+ turnover with 20% of sales from new/protected patents
- Green Economy Mark holder (since 2021) for sustainable, low-carbon solutions
- 3,900+ employees globally
The Opportunity
We are seeking an exceptional Site Manager to drive our Harlow (UK) manufacturing site, where you will take full operational accountability for:
- Safety, health, and environmental compliance (COMAH-regulated environment)
- £10M production costs and a £2M capital expenditure pipeline
- A leadership team of +20 across SHE, Production, Engineering, Quality, Technical, and Planning
- A site of 90+ operational employees (200 total on-site)
You will: Shaping the future of this high-hazard manufacturing facility—improving operational efficiency, safety, reliability, and aligning with growth targets of our strategic sectors.
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Responsibilities
1. Lead Safe & Compliant Operations
- Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations at all times.
- Act as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities (including HSE and the Environment Agency under COMAH).
- Champion a robust SHE (Safety, Health & Environment) culture with a continuous improvement mindset.
2. Deliver Performance & Strategic Growth
- Develop and execute annual site plans covering:
- SHE performance & KPIs
- Production efficiency
- Operational Expenditure (OPEX)
- Capital Expenditure (CAPEX)
- Align with a 5-year growth strategy to guide long-term site development.
- Implement manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement programmes.
3. Drive Operational Excellence
- Lead plant reliability & performance projects:
- Capacity expansion
- New product introductions
- CO₂ pipeline screenings
- Manage major compliance and audits (e.g. intemal, ISO certifications, trade unions).
4. Build High-Performing Teams
- Develop a strong leadership team (SHE, Operations, Engineering, Quality), fostering:
- Accountability and collaboration
- Union relationships and engagement
- Be a credible voice across all levels—from shop floor to senior stakeholder—and drive a performance culture.
Requirements
- Qualification: Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline.
- Track record: Senior operations leadership with:
- Published HSE/COMAH records (5+ years minimum preferred).
- Deliverable experience in:
- Safety and compliance
- Operational performance improvements
- Capital project delivery (proven financial/market improves)
- Leadership team development
- Leadership capability: A visible, emotionally intelligent leader who can:
- Influences formally and informally.
- Builds trust with shopfloor, trade unions, and senior stakeholders.
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Why Join Synthomer?
- Inclusion & Impact: Shape a strategically key site in growing global sectors.
- Competitive Rewards: Market-aligned base + discretionary bonus and LTIP for senior roles.
- Company car or allowance (varies by location).
- Comprehensive healthcare, parental leave, and family support.
- Career Growth: Flexible L&D opportunities (boss/menntorship, internal university).
- Wellbeing Support: EAP, mental health resources, pension contributions.
- Culture: Inclusive, performance-driven, and globally connected.
Eligibility Note
Applicants should align with UK visa regulations or be eligible for sponsorship, in accordance with Home Office immigration rules.
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