At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage competitive compensation programmes across Europe and the Americas.
- Company: Join Synthomer, a leader in sustainable chemistry with a global impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, flexible working, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in how we reward and recognise our talented workforce.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Compensation or Reward, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
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. Headquartered in London, UK, 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.
As part of our Total Rewards team, we're looking for an experienced Reward Manager to play a key role in delivering competitive, equitable and data-driven compensation programmes across Europe and the Americas. This is an exciting opportunity for a reward professional who enjoys combining strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
What You'll Be Doing
- Partnering with HR teams across Europe and the Americas on compensation management, job evaluation, salary benchmarking and reward programme design.
- Providing data-driven insights and expert guidance to support talent attraction, engagement and retention.
- Leading and supporting compensation programmes to ensure they remain competitive and market-aligned.
- Managing Synthomer's Executive Share Plan, including annual processes, participant communications and external vendor relationships.
- Delivering the annual salary review and merit increase process across Europe and the Americas.
- Conducting market benchmarking and participating in salary surveys to maintain external competitiveness.
- Supporting the annual bonus process, including Sales Incentive Plans, alongside the wider Total Rewards team.
- Driving pay equity and pay transparency initiatives while ensuring compliance with evolving legislation and regulations.
- Reviewing and enhancing reward policies, controls and governance processes.
- Identifying opportunities for process improvements and increased operational efficiency.
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years' experience in Compensation, Reward or Total Rewards.
- Strong knowledge of compensation principles, job evaluation methodologies, annual salary review processes and incentive plan design.
- Experience managing executive share plans.
- Advanced analytical capabilities with strong Excel skills and the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights.
- Experience working with HRIS platforms, with Workday experience highly desirable.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- A continuous improvement mindset with a focus on delivering efficient, scalable solutions.
Desirable Experience
- Experience supporting US compensation programmes.
- Knowledge of Mercer IPE job evaluation methodology.
- Exposure to global or multinational reward environments.
Why Join Synthomer?
At Synthomer, you'll be part of a global organisation where your expertise will have a direct impact on how we reward and recognise our people. You'll work alongside experienced HR and business leaders, contribute to strategic reward initiatives, and help shape a fair, competitive and performance-driven reward framework.
If you're passionate about reward, data-driven decision making and creating meaningful employee experiences, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us build a rewarding future for our people.
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
Location: UK London Headquarters
Type: Full time
Reward Manager in London employer: Synthomer
At Synthomer, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the specialty chemicals sector, offering a dynamic work environment at our Harlow manufacturing site. Our commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and employee development fosters a culture where every team member can thrive and contribute meaningfully. With competitive benefits, flexible working options, and a strong focus on sustainability, joining us as a Maintenance Manager means being part of a forward-thinking company dedicated to innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Reward Manager in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Synthomer!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Synthomer.
We think you need these skills to ace Reward Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Synthomer. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Synthomer and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Synthomer. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Synthomer's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Synthomer
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Synthomer.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Synthomer will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Synthomer and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
