Production Manager

Synthomer • Roebuck, SC

19d • Onsite

About The Position

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. The company employs approximately 3,900 people across its 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites in Europe, North America, and Asia. Synthomer is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and holds the London Stock Exchange Green Economy Mark. The Production Manager will be responsible for managing day-to-day production activities and the Continuous Improvement organization, reporting to the Plant Manager. This role emphasizes safety, health, and environmental (SHE) compliance, employee involvement in continuous improvement, and collaboration with technology, business, and commercial teams. The Production Manager will oversee production operations to ensure cost-effectiveness, high quality, and on-time delivery, while also leading, motivating, and developing the workforce. The position requires establishing manufacturing plans consistent with plant and business goals, utilizing team expertise for product/process improvements, and applying continuous improvement fundamentals to enhance safety, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry or polymer science
• 10 years of chemical plant manufacturing experience
• Chemical plant manufacturing experience
• Conflict Resolution
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Excellent cross functional collaboration and communication
• Ability to practically implement continuous improvement principles (Lean, Six Sigma, Waste Reduction) and drive results
• Ability to get results when there is no clear path or solution
• Ability to strategize and determine where to focus when there are many competing issues/opportunities
• Ability to change focus as needed and manage multiple projects at the same time
• Strong planning and organization skills
• Active listener with strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent communication skills to all functions at all levels
• Ability to communicate and present both internally and externally to a diverse audience
• Desire to grow into broader roles with additional responsibilities

Nice To Haves

• monomer/reactive chemistry (preferred)
• Certified Lean Six Sigma Green / Black Belt (ASQ Preferred )
• Experience with Reactive monomer chemistry
• Experience with latex chemistry
• Experience with Process Safety Management in high hazard processes
• Experience in supervisory role
• Experience with RCMS & RC/ISO14001
• Certified Internal Auditor (Exemplar Global or ASQ Preferred)
• Previous experience working within ISO 9001 certified quality system

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic insight and operational guidance to the SLT to drive change, improve safety, production processes, reduce costs, improve margins, and address quality issues.
• Contribute to and inform the IBP process of production planning and inventory control.
• Direct shipping activities to assure cost-effective operations.
• Collaborate with the technology team to introduce new products and process improvements.
• Manage direct and indirect reports to achieve Plant Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Standards and world-class SHE performance.
• Develop skills in team members through training, timely information, formal feedback sessions, and “level up” processes.
• Solve and correct operational problems using problem-solving techniques and continuous improvement tools.
• Ensure accuracy of SAP data and adherence to management systems and processes.
• Identify, address, and resolve technology issues and/or lead the facility into new areas of technology.
• Develop new processes and procedures for all facets of production.
• Support the global business needs for strategic goals and objectives.
• Assess and implement analytical methods and tools to increase productivity, decrease variability, and reduce safety risks.
• Promote unwavering commitment to the Synthomer Values and Golden Rules.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior