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.
Lead Safety. Drive Excellence. Shape the Future.
At Synthomer, safety is more than a priority, it is a core value that underpins everything we do. We are looking for an experienced and influential SHE Manager to join our Harlow leadership team and play a pivotal role in maintaining and advancing our world-class Safety, Health and Environmental standards.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced SHE professional from a chemical, COMAH or high-hazard industrial environment who is passionate about creating a proactive safety culture, driving continuous improvement and ensuring regulatory excellence.
As our SHE Manager, you will provide strategic leadership across all aspects of Safety, Health and Environment, partnering with site leadership, employees, regulators and external stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of compliance, operational safety and environmental stewardship.
About the Role
Reporting to the Site Manager and managing a SHE Advisor, you will be a key member of the Harlow Site Leadership Team with responsibility for developing, implementing and continuously improving the site's SHE strategy and management systems.
You will act as the site's primary contact for regulatory bodies and certification agencies, ensuring full compliance with legislation, COMAH requirements and Synthomer's global SHE standards.
This is a highly visible role where your leadership will directly influence site performance, employee engagement and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Safety Leadership & Compliance
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Provide expert SHE advice and guidance to leaders and employees across the site.
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Ensure full compliance with all relevant UK legislation, regulations, permits, licences and company standards.
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Lead site SHE objectives, improvement plans and performance initiatives.
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Serve as the site's primary contact for external regulatory bodies, auditors and certification organisations.
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Maintain awareness of emerging legislation, industry best practice and regulatory developments.
Process Safety & Operational Excellence
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Develop a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and critical safety systems.
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Own the Permit to Work System and act as Senior Designated Approver for high-hazard activities.
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Support Management of Change processes and ensure SHE considerations are embedded within projects and operational changes.
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Participate in plant modification and capital project teams to ensure compliance with applicable standards and legislation.
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Act as Site Main Controller on a rota with other members of the Leadership Team as part of site's Emergency Response Plan.
Incident Prevention & Investigation
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Lead investigations into accidents, incidents and near misses.
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Analyse SHE performance data, identify trends and develop improvement actions.
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Conduct regular site safety tours and engage employees in safety conversations.
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Promote proactive safety initiatives and behavioural safety programmes across the site.
Management Systems & Continuous Improvement
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Develop, maintain and improve SHE management systems and audit programmes.
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Manage site non-conformance and action tracking systems to ensure timely completion of corrective actions.
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Lead management review meetings and provide SHE performance reporting to senior stakeholders.
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Ensure accurate reporting into Synthomer's SHE and operational excellence systems.
Training & Leadership
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Develop and deliver SHE training programmes across the site.
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Lead, coach and develop the SHE Advisor.
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Foster a positive and collaborative safety culture where everyone takes ownership for SHE performance.
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Chair SHE meetings and communicate important safety information, lessons learned and best practices.
What We're Looking For
Essential
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Degree or Diploma in Chemistry, Engineering or a related technical discipline.
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Minimum 5 years' experience in a Safety, Health and Environment leadership role within a chemical manufacturing or high-hazard industrial environment.
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Strong knowledge and practical application of COMAH regulations.
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Experience working with regulatory authorities, audits and compliance frameworks.
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Excellent incident investigation and root cause analysis skills.
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Strong interpersonal, coaching and influencing abilities.
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Proven ability to drive continuous improvement and positive safety culture change.
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Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Desirable
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Chartered or working towards Chartered status.
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NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent professional SHE qualification.
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Experience within the chemical, process manufacturing or high-hazard industries.
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Knowledge of ISO management systems and auditing practices.
Why Join Synthomer?
Synthomer is a global leader in high-performance polymers, serving customers across a broad range of markets and industries worldwide. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace where employees can thrive, develop and make a meaningful impact.
In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:
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Join an experienced and supportive site leadership team.
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Influence strategic SHE direction and site performance.
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Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
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Work within a global organisation committed to Sustainability, Safety and Innovation.
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Develop your career within a business that values expertise, leadership and professional growth.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're an experienced SHE professional with a passion for leadership, compliance and continuous improvement, 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
