Regulatory Tools and Systems Manager (Chemicals) in Harlow

Synthomer is an innovative and differentiated global leader in sustainable polymer solutions. The Group is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of water-based polymers and has leadership positions in many markets. Our polymers help customers create innovative new products and enhance the performance of existing products in key industries such as coatings, construction, adhesives, textiles, paper and nitrile medical gloves. With the acquisition of Eastman Adhesive Resins in 2022 and Omnova Solutions in 2020, Synthomer grew its global manufacturing network, expanded its product portfolio and boosted its geographical presence, allowing it to better serve over 6000 customers around the world. Synthomer has its operational headquarters in London, UK, and provides customer-focused services from regional centres in Harlow, UK; Marl, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beachwood, Ohio, USA. It employs more than 5000 employees across over 40 sites and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Purpose of Job

Lead a small team and act as Divisional leader for Product Stewardship, serving as the key contact for the work of the Product Stewardship and Regulatory Compliance (PRSC) department. Ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, while driving technical excellence, resolving functional issues, and deploying harmonised global systems and processes. Provide regulatory leadership across Synthomer, embedding global regulations into core systems and minimising business impact from regulatory change.

Main Accountabilities

• Regulatory Systems: Multi-year, in-depth experience using SAP, SAP EHS, and related chemical regulatory software. Knowledge of SVT is desirable.
• Systems Management: Oversee functionality and updates of regulatory systems, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
• Innovation: Recommend and implement new tools, processes, and IT solutions to improve compliance workflows globally.
• Global Rollouts: Lead SAP functionality, SDS/labelling projects, automated SDS systems, and global template rollouts (Pathway).
• Integration: Manage regulatory system implementation for acquisitions and oversee handover to Global Product Compliance teams.
• Data & Documentation: Ensure data maintenance requirements are met, manage information flow, and control changes effectively.
• Collaboration Management: Oversee 3rd-party collaborations and IT support at a global level.
• Expertise & Leadership: Manage multiple levels of regulatory expertise, applying scientific rigor to data analysis and decision-making.
• Project Delivery: Lead subject matter projects in response to legislative changes, sustainability requirements, and market concerns.
• Collaboration: Partner with business units, technical teams, and production to embed compliance and build networks in speciality chemistries.
• Safety: Proactively identify, report, and improve safety issues.
• Training: Provide foundation training for new regulatory specialists, maintain training records, and deliver system training centrally.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Chemistry or related field.
• 5 plus years’ experience in industrial regulatory/compliance (polymers, coatings, or similar).
• Experience of leading a team.
• Strong business acumen, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Proven project management expertise and ability to deliver efficiency improvements.

Location & Working Pattern

This role is based at our European Shared Service Centre in Harlow, where collaboration and team synergy are at the heart of how we work. We ask team members to be on-site at least four days per week to support this dynamic environment. For exceptional candidates located further afield, we are open to considering a remote arrangement, provided your skills and experience strongly align with the requirements of the role.

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)
• Learning & development opportunities – training, online platforms, buddy/mentorship programs, Internal Synthomer University with L&D offers
• Wellbeing support – Employee Assistance Program, mental health resources, wellbeing initiatives
• Retirement / pension contributions – plans vary by country
• Culture of Inclusion – where everyone can thrive
• Performance culture, global reward & recognition programme.

“At Synthomer we value the difference everyone brings to work, and we are committed to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people are supported to make their best contribution in creating a vibrant and successful business.”