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.

I’ve been making a positive contribution since day one!”

Synthomer is a dynamic company committed to continuous growth and I’ve been really impressed with the way it is prepared to give responsibility to its young employees. On my very first day I was assigned to a project and introduced to my fellow team members. I’ve since been given the opportunity to lead an international project with support from a senior management sponsor. The project has allowed me to connect with people around the world and across functions. This has given me a fantastic insight into the great career development opportunities that Synthomer offers its employees. Moreover, despite being new to the Company, my opinions have been welcomed and my colleagues have provided honest and constructive feedback. I find it really motivating to work in such an open and energetic environment, where newcomers are made to feel at home and seen as valued members of the Company from day one.

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.

Synthomer has made it possible for me to have a rewarding career as well as a fulfilling family life

I started as an apprentice with Synthomer in 1996 and officially joined the Company in 1999 as a Logistics Administrator. I continued to develop my career with Synthomer and was promoted to Procurement Manager in 2005. In 2015 I was blessed with my first child and decided to take maternity leave to be with my newborn baby. Six months later, I returned to work as a Customer Service and Logistics Manager. Now, just over a year later, I’m being blessed with a second child. Synthomer is again happy for me to take maternity leave to be with my kids. It is very comforting to know that, during my absence, my colleagues, who have been supportive throughout, are happy to share my workload, ensuring that I can spend these joyous and irreplaceable early months with my children. Synthomer is committed to letting its people enjoy a healthy work/life balance. I really value this flexibility, and also the job security that I have, which has enabled me to develop a rewarding career over the last twenty years while enjoying the delights of starting and raising a family.”

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

It’s the best company I’ve worked for in my 20-year career

I’ve worked in the technical textiles industry for more than 15 years and have always been passionate about it. Watching it make a comeback from a sunset industry and transform into a thriving, dynamic business over recent years has been truly inspiring. During my time in the industry, I have worked for several other reputable companies, but after joining Synthomer in 2003, I quickly decided that this is where I want to stay. I really appreciate the fact that Synthomer puts a lot of trust in its people, giving us freedom and support to drive business direction and make a real impact on the Company’s performance. My colleagues are a great bunch of professionals from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and we have a great time working together. My job is certainly very challenging, but it is also totally satisfying and rewarding.

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.

I feel privileged to go to work with a smile on my face

Joining Synthomer in January 2017 has been one of the best decisions of my life. I work for the Regulatory Affairs department and my experience so far has been excellent. What drives me in my work is the opportunity to learn every day, solve complex problems and contribute to achieving compliance with legal requirements. On day one I was assigned to a relevant project. Since then, my responsibilities and opportunities have increased exponentially. Synthomer encourages continuous personal and career growth. As part of my learning process I have been invited to attend bespoke training programmes and relevant events outside the UK, as well as visit other Company sites. Synthomer takes safety and health issues very seriously. On my first day, I received induction training that included detailed guidance and principles to ensure safe working, and refresher training is provided regularly. Ideas from all employees are listened to and, despite being new to the Company, I have been able to contribute improvements to the functioning of my department. My colleagues are also very supportive, knowledgeable and lively. In summary, I feel privileged to go to work every day with a smile on my face!”

A perfect transition to a new career in a new company and a new country

Joining Synthomer meant relocating from Turkey to Germany. While this was not the first time I had moved from one country to another, it was certainly the smoothest and most professional transition I have experienced, thanks to the support from Synthomer. There were no unpleasant surprises or complications at all in the recruitment and relocation process because the procedures were promptly and efficiently handled by my new colleagues in Synthomer. I arrived to a professional and very warm welcome, and, right from day one, management and my new colleagues were friendly and helpful, ensuring a smooth integration into the company and its culture. They gave me many great hints and tips to help me settle into my new environment and were always willing to share their knowledge and experience, which enabled me to adapt to the company and my new home quicker than I had expected. I have felt part of this wonderful team since the start, and particularly value the fact that I am encouraged to voice my opinions and even criticisms on all aspects of the business and the organisation. I am continually challenged with new projects or ideas that enable me to make a real contribution to the company, and at the same time enhance my self-motivation, and personal and professional development.