Strong team that works together well

I joined Synthomer (Omnova) two years ago as Coatings Application Manager. During my tenure here, I feel that everyone has a common goal and this is to promote our products for Coatings and highlight our strong manufacturing capability and technical expertise. What was very important to me was the people aspect-there is a strong team that works together well.

Inspired by my collaboration with Synthomer during my PhD

My PhD at the University of Hamburg was a joint development project funded by Synthomer, bringing me into contact with the Company long before I’d ever considered working for it. Throughout my three-year PhD, I had quarterly review meetings with a team from Synthomer. I was inspired by their support and enthusiasm. They always shared their opinions and ideas openly, and made me feel just like one of the team. I was invited to visit Synthomer’s labs in Marl, Germany, which offered an insight into the working environment, the laboratory set-up and, most importantly, Synthomer’s people. This was one of the deciding factors that encouraged me to apply to the company after graduation and it helped tremendously with my onboarding. Now I’m an R&D Manager with an exciting career working on a range of truly innovative projects.

Feeling at home in Synthomer from day one!”

My onboarding process was truly ‘made-to-measure’ and helped me feel like part of the Synthomer family from day one! My work place was comfortable and properly equipped when I arrived. I was introduced to my new colleagues and a detailed induction programme explained everything I needed to know about the Company and my role, enabling me to make a positive contribution from the start. I was included in the Company’s mentoring programme. My mentor gave me great guidance, and the programme provided me with a fantastic opportunity to network with the other mentees. We met once a month to talk about our projects, exchange our experiences of Synthomer or simply hangout and have fun. My colleagues are friendly and helpful, ensuring that my onboarding experience was a hassle-free pleasure.

”As a site leader, it is always a priority to make sure my team has the right support”

I joined OMNOVA Solutions Inc in 2016 which was acquired by Synthomer in 2020. Synthomer has lived up to its company values in its investment in SHE, Accountability, Integrity, Teamwork, and Innovation which is incorporated into the daily work and recognition on my site. As a site leader, it is always a priority to make sure my team has the right support. Synthomer provides valuable resources to strengthen training to progress my team in key functional areas and beyond. This support and investment has helped us be successful in implementing the broader business plans to push forward Manufacturing Excellence. With the commitment Synthomer makes in everything from its company values and investing in and developing processes and people, the future and it is stronger and brighter with Synthomer. I feel privileged to work with the broad team of Synthomer to continue to develop my site, my team, and myself.

Exciting opportunities to grow with the Company

I joined Polymer Latex (later acquired by Synthomer) in 2003 and have since enjoyed an exciting and rewarding career, gaining international experience on the way. Starting as a Sales Assistant, I then had a useful spell in logistics before becoming Area Sales Manager for the Textiles and Adhesives business unit in 2006. In 2010 I was offered a secondment in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, supporting the local team in Sales and Marketing. It was an invaluable and exhilarating experience. I got to live and work in a fascinating region, gained exposure to very different cultures, and worked with people from across Asia. In 2011 Polymer Latex was acquired by Synthomer and I returned to Germany as Head of Sales for the Adhesives business. In 2015 I was asked to run the Construction and Coatings businesses as well. Today, I manage a team of Sales Managers looking after the Adhesives business in Europe. Since I joined Synthomer, it has more than doubled in size and I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to help steer the Company on its journey and to continue to grow with it.

I joined Synthomer (Omnova) two years ago as Coatings Application Manager.

There are several reasons that drew me to my current role at Synthomer. The first reason is the company’s vision of expanding its polymer physics expertise. As a specialist in this area, I look for gaps in current knowledge and pursue innovative solutions for mapping material properties to product performance. I evaluate current practices of polymer physics characterization and help guide our forward strategy. Second, I get to work with great people from different areas of the business. I interact regularly with both our design teams to assist with R&D projects, as well as manufacturing teams for a variety of operation initiatives. I also have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues from around the world through internally hosted technical education seminars. This is a great chance to share my experiences as well as learn from others. Finally, our product diversity keeps my work interesting and challenging. From construction to adhesives to medical, Synthomer is involved in many industries, and each has a unique set of performance criteria that our products need to deliver on!

From R&D to marketing, and Malaysia to Germany!

I joined Synthomer in 2005 in Malaysia as an R&D and Technical Service Chemist for the unsaturated polyester resins (UPE resins) business in Southeast Asia. I progressed through technical roles in increasingly larger businesses and, after three years, became Technical Service Chemist for the coatings business and in 2010 I was promoted to Technical Service Manager for coatings and construction in Southeast Asia. During these roles, I had learnt a lot about the Company, our products, and our customers and their applications, and I was ready for a new challenge. In 2014, I was offered a transfer to a different continent and different function! I gladly accepted the role of Marketing Manager, Europe, based in Germany, for the functional solutions business unit, which includes the coatings, construction, adhesives and textiles businesses. My new colleagues couldn’t have been more friendly and supportive. They helped me to settle into my new life and new role really quickly. So far, my career in Synthomer has been varied, challenging and hugely enjoyable. In 12 years, I’ve transitioned from R&D to marketing, and Malaysia to Germany. I don’t know where I’ll be in another 12 years, but I do know that, with Synthomer, the choices are limitless.

I was attracted by the better career prospects and competitive benefits package

Before joining Synthomer, I worked for one of Synthomer’s appointed forwarding companies. During this time, it became clear that Synthomer offers a diverse, fast-growing multinational environment where talented and committed individuals can develop an attractive and fulfilling career. In 2014, I got the opportunity to work for Synthomer and I grasped it without second thought! In addition to the career development opportunities, Synthomer’s benefits package was very competitive. I also thrive in the Synthomer culture. Working hours are relatively flexible because Synthomer managers trust their people to deliver results in a timely fashion. I work in a dynamic multi-cultural team and my colleagues are friendly, helpful and supportive. Working for Synthomer has proven to be all I expected and more, and I look forward to developing a rewarding, long-term career with the Company

I felt welcomed from the very first day

Synthomer’s philosophy directed by safety and the core values, describes a company I want to work for, the recurring process was very professional, sincere, flawless, and selective. I felt welcomed from the very first day, the support from the leadership team during challenge pandemic days made me feel part of the team very promptly. The value for the people reflected on the senior leadership behaviors is outstanding. The culture for recognition is remarkable during townhall meetings and the nice token of appreciation for the manufacturing sites that worked during pandemic times. The attention to details, the trust of the leadership continues to motivate me, it is easy to continue to contribute to this great company.

We always have time for work safely

I joined Omnova in November 2018 with a great opportunity to use my chemistry lab background with my career in SHE. As the SHE Specialist for the Akron Technology Center, I had a front row seat to the on-going innovations of the company to create new products that are not only safer for end use but also safer in the process environment. The acquisition of Omnova by Synthomer in April 2020 has been the most professional and well-planned integration process I have ever been involved with. Even with the completely virtual integration process, the team at Synthomer remained true to “We always have time for work safely”. As part of the integration, I was given to the opportunity to manage the SHE programs for the newly created Global Technology and Innovation division. This is a perfect path for my career to develop, implement and improve the GTI and Operations laboratories SHE program. The sites from around the globe have teamed together with this role to implement new improvement opportunities in all the laboratories. I continue to look ahead to more opportunities to share and improve our SHE performance in the laboratories and at Synthomer.”

I really appreciate the excellent opportunities for learning and self-development

I was already working in the rubber glove manufacturing industry in Kuala Lumpur and was aware of Synthomer as it is the only local nitrile latex supplier in Malaysia that provides strong technical support for their customer. A friend of mine strongly encourage me to give it a try in Synthomer after knowing that there is vacancy and I successfully applied for a vacancy in Technical Service based at Synthomer’s Kluang facility. After joining in 2015, I quickly came to realise that good teamwork and communication is critical in Technical Servicewith plenty of learning opportunities. My role is always interesting – I work with a range of latex products and have had the opportunity to assist customers in different application. I really value the fact that hard work is recognised in Synthomer and rewarded with opportunities for self-development and self-awareness. I have had the honour of taking part in the 8th International Rubber Glove Conference and Exhibition (IRGCE), where I was one of the technical paper contributors along with my colleagues. Seeing our names in the conference programme was definitely something to be proud of. Working in Synthomer is definitely interesting and challenging with a great working environment that provides an outstanding platform for learning.

Inspired by Synthomer’s passion to be number one

Synthomer is the leading global supplier of NBR latex to the glove dipping industry and has a tradition of excellence in the market in Southeast Asia, having built the first NBR latex manufacturing plant in the region in Malaysia in 2001. I have been constantly impressed by Synthomer’s commitment to meeting the increased customer demand in the region by continuing to invest in its people and in new facilities such as reactors to boost production. When Synthomer acquired Polymer Latex in 2011, I was proud to have been entrusted with the task of leading the integration of the sales functions of the two businesses. The outlook for the business is very positive, with increasing demand, notably from the healthcare sector. I am inspired by the fact that Synthomer is committed to maintaining its number one position in the market and I am excited to be able to play an important role in this challenge.”

Synthomer provides an outstanding all-round career and benefits package

I studied Chemistry at university and was already familiar with Synthomer from my lab work, as well as from conferences, exhibitions and careers talks. I was keen to join a well-established company that could offer a rewarding and stimulating career path and provide competitive benefits. I was delighted to be offered a role in Technical Service at Synthomer and the Company has really exceeded my expectations in all areas. Its 7 Core Values provide a great framework around which to engage employees and build a successful organisation, and they also encourage systematic thinking that is valuable in our personal lives. In fact I practice the Communication and Teamwork values with my family and, believe me, they work! In addition, Synthomer is obviously a company that is intent on maintaining and improving its leadership position in the market. I was excited when I heard about the construction of our new 200MT NBR reactor at Pasir Gudang in Malaysia, which will be the largest in the world. As a result, I am confident that both Synthomer and its employees have great prospects. Furthermore, other Company benefits and policies such as family health insurance, career development, stakeholder engagement and corporate social responsibility are highly valued by myself and my colleagues. I am looking forward to a long and satisfying future for myself at Synthomer.

Synthomer’s bold decision-making encouraged me to join the Company

I had just moved into a new role in my previous company’s newest plant, and also just moved back into my newly refurbished house, so the thought of moving house and company had not crossed my mind at all. However, through an industry acquaintance, I was offered an interview for a role in Synthomer. I attended the interview and was very impressed; the plant compared very favourably to the one I was working in, and I was excited by the opportunities Synthomer could offer me to help me boost my knowledge and experience. On my way home from the interview, I got a phone call offering me the job. I thought to myself, ‘That was quick! This is a company that is dynamic and prepared to take bold and prompt decisions’. This inspired me to accept the offer, and I have not regretted it for a single moment. Synthomer is a flexible organisation and people have the freedom to take decisions and make things happen. I am really impressed by the Company’s positive approach to competency development, which helps our employees to advance their careers and helps the Company to achieve sustainable business development. This is something I am strongly committed to and I have had the pleasure of helping young talents in my team to create fulfilling development plans. Good decision-making is something that Synthomer excels at and I’m really pleased that I also made the right decision and joined the Company.

Why I chose Synthomer

I have worked in the chemical industry for 18 years and chose to join Synthomer because it is a successful FTSE 250 company with a Board of Directors that has a clear strategy for growth. This, combined with the Company’s recent business performance, made me realise that it would be an exciting company to work for, with plenty of career development opportunities. When I joined Synthomer, I couldn't have wished for a better welcome. Everyone in my department immediately made me feel part of the Synthomer family. Colleagues have gone out of their way to make my joining the Company as smooth a transition as possible, especially knowing that I had relocated 200 miles to join Synthomer. In the short time that I have been with the Company, I have already travelled to several international sites and developed my understanding of the business and the important role that Regulatory Affairs can play in its continued success. I hope that I will have many years to enjoy as part of the Synthomer group as my career continues to develop.

In Synthomer, the people and the opportunities to grow and develop your career are second to none

It was clear to me from the start that Synthomer is a company with a clear strategy and goals, with plentiful opportunities, not only in the UK, but in locations around the globe. As a lover of travel, it was a big selling point for me to be able to work with other countries and cultures. I started as an HR Assistant and within a year have been promoted to HR & Talent Acquisition Coordinator. That alone says a lot about the support and potential there is here at Synthomer. If you are willing to prove your ambition, passion and drive, and develop your skill set and experience, then you have the tools to really develop a successful career in the Company. Synthomer is a growing company with an expanding global presence, and, with that, comes the drive to work hard and achieve outstanding results year after year. You feel that this really is a team effort and that is due mainly to the people. My overall decision for joining was ultimately about the people. The essence of being a member of the HR department is to be a team, be approachable and friendly, to ensure all our colleagues and external clients feel able to talk to us and feel they are getting a valuable customer service experience. The last six months have been a joy; I look forward to coming to work and that to me is what it is all about. Along with my colleagues in all departments, we ensure a fun, enriching and rewarding working environment that helps make Synthomer not only a successful company but a great place to work.

I couldn’t have been given a better project as first task

As someone raised in Marl, the Marl Chemical Park always drew me in. After my master studies in International Management, I heard about Synthomer’s European Graduate Programme. To me it was the perfect opportunity to live my passion for chemistry. I joined in autumn of 2018 as a customer service & logistics graduate and received a very warm welcome. My first project: Be the ambassador for our newly launched CRM system. The project was an invaluable chance for me to both prove myself to my new co-workers and to build a network spanning from Australia to the United States – almost everyone at Synthomer has heard of me! Regular group events for us graduates have not only connected me to different functions in the company, but also helped build true friendships. The next step in my programme track is in sales and I can’t wait to connect faces to the names I know from our customer database.

Working cross-functionally allowed me to meet a variety of people in the organization and even create some friendships.

I started out at Synthomer in the Leadership Development Program right after graduating from college. Upon completion of the Leadership Development Program, I transitioned into my current role as a Supply Chain Analyst working primarily with the Procurement and Supply Chain teams. I could not have imagined a better place to start my career. I have been given the possibility to work alongside business leaders on cross-functional projects that have a positive impact on the business while developing my professional skills. Working cross-functionally allowed me to meet a variety of people in the organization and even create some friendships. I have been a part of three different teams and each one has made me feel valued and appreciated for the work I do. I was given the advice by a member of the leadership team to learn something new every day and Synthomer has given me the opportunity to do that.

Do what you love, love what you do

I started working at Synthomer in 2020 through the OMNOVA acquisition. Coming from a small Portuguese company, Resiquímica, that was bought by OMNOVA in 2018, the experience with Synthomer is being the most enriching and motivating experience that I´ve had in my professional career. Having access to many other different areas, technologies with numerous possible applications, and all of this done with a responsible and sustainable mindset. The most surprising is that I´m still using the same technologies that I´ve learned when I started this journey in 2007! If I want to share what my job means to me, the best way of describing it is following each day the statement ´”Do what you love, love what you do”, because despite the challenges that the company provides, I succeed to embrace and grow, since each step is a continuous learning process.

company continues to invest in my development and has provided me with many opportunities to grow professionally and personally

With OMNOVA being my first job out of school, I never imagined I would still be here today. I stay because the company continues to invest in my development and has provided me with many opportunities to grow professionally and personally. I started as an Inside Sales Representative that led into a Territory Manager role that allowed me to sell across different markets. That experience helped me step into my role today. The company continues to challenge me and equip me with the tools I need for future career endeavors.

Synthomer is a great company and I’m proud to be part of it.

One of the reasons why Synthomer is a great place to work is because it provides a great career opportunity and exposure; both regionally and globally. I started my journey in Synthomer as Regional Sales Manager in H&P SBU, managing the NBR latex business. It was a great experience serving the high growth glove industry. Then, I was assigned to be Key Accounts and Sales Operation Manager for Functional Solutions. Externally, I managed commercial requirements to serve important key accounts, while internally I ensure smooth business operations by working closely with the support functions team to set frameworks and processes. My path changed once again as I was given the opportunity to be Regional Marketing and Strategy Manager for Asia. With all the experiences gained from commercial, sales operation, marketing, and strategy; I can proudly say that the company has developed me to be an all-rounder leader. Now, I am the Segment Manager for Adhesives & Textile (APEC) and along with the company’s direction, I aspire to grow the business to the next level. Synthomer is a great company and I’m proud to be part of it.

My career grew exponentially as I was able to expand my network internally and externally.

With polymer as my background study, my first instinct and interest were obviously to join the polymer industry. While I was searching for a job, Synthomer immediately caught my attention as it is a significantly fast-growing company globally, has strong branding and is well diversified in business, which gave me the confidence in the company’s sustainability. I joined Synthomer in 2009 as Application Technology Lab Supervisor. I gained a lot of exposure working with different sites globally through this role and I was also given the opportunity to set up and did the commissioning for Application Technology Lab in Pasir Gudang plant. In 2011, I was promoted to Application Manager. My career grew exponentially as I was able to expand my network internally and externally. Fast forward to 2020, I was given another opportunity to manage a centralized XNBR Application Technology Lab which falls under PE innovation Department. This role allows me to challenge myself in terms of product innovation activities and somehow reignites my passion towards polymer. Being with the company for more than 12 years, I am happy to share that there is a significant positive change since 2009; more empowerment is given to employees, there is a lot of programmes made available for employee’s development especially on leadership attributes across all level and the company cares and appreciate their employees by rewarding them for their hard work and contribution.

This company never stops growing and it will continue to innovate in bringing the product’s quality to a much higher level.

The commitment made to corporate responsibility such as sustainability and SHE further deepened my interest to explore new career opportunity with the company. My journey in Synthomer started in December 2019 and a few months after that Movement Control Order (MCO) was implemented by the Malaysian government due to Covid-19. From there, new norms kicked in. The procurement team had to face and overcome multiple challenges to ensure uninterrupted supply of services/ materials to our manufacturing plant especially latex plant which is one of the essential value chain of gloves industry. Although we were all working remotely, the teamwork we had between the members are great as each of us has a deep sense of commitment to work. Although my journey in Synthomer is full of ups and downs due to the pandemic, the experience has been great so far. I have gained good exposure and invaluable experiences with the company.

I am glad that it has opened another door of opportunity

What I like most about Synthomer is the culture and the people that I work with. It has this interesting blend between a professional corporate setting and a small, connected community. Everyone knows almost everybody in the company despite the various sites we are in. Prior to joining the company and having to live in Kluang for some time, I have heard nothing but only good things about Synthomer. So, I didn’t even think twice to accept the job offer. I joined the company back in Jan 2013 as a junior Finance Executive. It was my first job after internship and I was thrilled to get the opportunity to work in a company with a deeply rooted legacy in Malaysia. Since then, I slowly climbed my way up the career ladder. My first line manager helped to groom, nurture and guide me in maximizing my full potential. With the company’s support in providing development programmes, I learned everything that I needed to know as an accountant during my time with the team. Due to personal reasons I was unable to move to Kuala Lumpur office with the rest of the Finance team, but I was given another opportunity to work in a completely different function, Operations. Although I am now not with Finance anymore, I am glad that it has opened another door of opportunity. It is in this current role as a Manufacturing Excellence Controller that I have learned more about Operations, improved my analytic skills in presenting numbers to non-finance background to show impacts and acquired effective presentation skills in presenting to groups from different regions and backgrounds. I find the current role exciting as it allows me to learn and adapt to engineering and technical jargons. Over the years that I have been with the company, I must say that the experience has been challenging, fulfilling and most definitely rewarding.

Working here has been one of the best moves that I’ve made in my life.

I am currently in my fifth year in Synthomer and I truly enjoy the work that I am doing now in my current role. After finishing my degree back in 2016, I tried searching for a job but was dejected after being turned down numerous times. I was thrilled when I received the offer from Synthomer afterwards despite my lack of experience. My line manager and team were super supportive in training, guiding and helping me to grow. Over the last 5 years, I was given the opportunity to work on different projects with people from different levels. This has helped me to develop my communication skills and manage stakeholder’s expectation effectively. Synthomer has created an environment where the employees can learn and expand their careers. It has helped me to stay motivated and continue to strive in giving my best. I also appreciate the flexibility that we have at work. In Synthomer, I have found a company that appreciates the people, values their capabilities, and gives them substantial chances to grow and learn.