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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and execute technical strategies to enhance production efficiency and safety.
- Company: Join Synthomer, a leader in sustainable polymers with a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and 3-5 years of industrial experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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 – 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.
About the Role
As a Process Engineer at Synthomer Harlow, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and executing technical strategies that enhance production capability, efficiency, and safety. You’ll lead initiatives to improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) by identifying and resolving plant performance issues—particularly those affecting rate and quality—and act as a key deputy to the Technical Plant Manager, supporting critical operations and driving continuous improvement across the site.
What You’ll Be Leading
- Strategic Impact
- Shape and implement technical strategies aligned with site and company goals
- Deliver OEE improvements by tackling rate and quality losses head-on
- Support CAPEX projects from scoping to commissioning
- Process Excellence
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives and Six Sigma activities (RFT, DMAIC)
- Facilitate root cause analysis and troubleshoot production challenges
- Represent the Process Team in daily performance reviews
- Safety & Compliance
- Act as deputy for process safety and support SHE improvement plans
- Liaise with HSE and other authorities to close out actions
- Support shutdowns and pre-start safety reviews
- Leadership & Collaboration
- Mentor junior technical staff and undergraduates
- Champion lean tools like 5S, RCPS, and PD-board meetings
- Collaborate across Process, Maintenance, QC, Production, and Sales
What You Bring
- Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (or similar) approx 3 - 5 years industrial experience
- Deep understanding of COMAH, SHE, and process safety systems
- Proven track record in chemical manufacturing environments
- Strong analytical, leadership, and communication skills
- Ability to juggle multiple priorities and drive results
Interfaces That Matter - You’ll work closely with:
- Process Team
- Maintenance
- QC
- Production
- Technical Service & Sales
If you're passionate about driving technical excellence and making a real impact at Synthomer Harlow—and you're currently employed by the organisation, but seeking your next big challenge—this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Step up, stand out, and help shape the future of our site. We’d love to hear from you.
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
Process Engineer employer: Synthomer
Contact Detail:
Synthomer Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Synthomer on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Synthomer's projects and values. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in process engineering and teamwork.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Synthomer team.
We think you need these skills to ace Process Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Process Engineer role at Synthomer. Highlight relevant experience, especially in chemical manufacturing and process safety, to show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our goals. Don’t just repeat your CV; use this space to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for driving technical excellence.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve production efficiency and safety. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact—numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Synthomer
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of chemical engineering principles and the specific processes used at Synthomer. Familiarise yourself with their products and how they impact sectors like coatings and construction. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the company's mission.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've tackled production challenges or improved efficiency in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to drive results, which are crucial for a Process Engineer.
✨Emphasise Safety and Compliance
Given the importance of process safety at Synthomer, be ready to talk about your experience with safety systems and compliance regulations. Highlight any relevant training or certifications you have, and share how you've contributed to a safe working environment in past positions.
✨Be a Team Player
Collaboration is key in this role, so think of examples where you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams. Discuss how you've mentored others or led initiatives that required input from various departments. This will show that you can thrive in a collaborative environment and support the company’s continuous improvement goals.