Production Manager

Synthomer plc; Roebuck (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Discretionary bonus

LTIP

Company car

Healthcare

Parental leave

Learning & development

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

Synthomer plc in South Carolina is seeking a Production Manager to lead day-to-day manufacturing operations and the Continuous Improvement program. The role reports to the Plant Manager and supervises shift leaders and production staff, with a strong emphasis on safety and environmental compliance.

You will collaborate with the technology, quality, and commercial teams to deliver high‑quality products on time, reduce costs, and drive productivity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry or polymer science is required.
• 10 years of chemical plant manufacturing experience, preferably with monomer/reactive chemistry.
• Demonstrated Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement experience.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive safety, health and environmental performance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead production operations and manage direct and indirect reports to meet goals.
• Collaborate with technology, quality and commercial teams for process improvements.
• Develop new processes and procedures for all facets of production and ensure on-time delivery.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry or polymer science

Tools

SAP

Job description

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.Position Overview...The Production Manager will be responsible for managing day-to-day production activities as well as the Continuous Improvement organization. This position will report to the Plant Manager and have responsibilities for Shift Supervisors and the Production Specialist.The Production Manager is responsible for promoting a workplace that has an unwavering commitment to safety, health and environmental (SHE) compliance; and encourages total employee involvement in continuous improvement initiatives. This position will partner with the technology team and the production teams on a regular basis, as well as interface with the business and commercial teams frequently. This role will oversee production operations, while assuring cost-effective processes that results in products of high quality and on-time delivery. Along with the responsibility for leading, motivating, and developing salaried (directly) and hourly (indirectly) workforces. This position must also establish plans and objectives for manufacturing that are consistent with plant and business goals and strategies.The Production Manager will need to effectively utilize the expertise of their team and hold them accountable to supporting product/process improvement efforts as well as stable operations on a day-to-day basis. They must be agile and be able to quickly work with their teams to identify and resolve issues as well as identify opportunities and act to continuously improve results. They also must be able to effectively utilize the fundamentals of continuous improvement to identify opportunities in safety, productivity, and cost and drive results in these areas.What you'll own in this role....Provide strategic insight and operational guidance to the SLT that will: (25%)Drive change, improve safety, improve production processes, reduce costs, improve margins and address quality issuesContribute to and inform IBP process of production planning and inventory controlDirect shipping activities to assure cost-effective operationsCollaborate with the technology team to introduce new products and process improvementsManage direct and indirect reports to: (75%)Achieve Plant Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) Standards and world class SHE performanceDevelop skills in team members through training, timely information and formal feedback sessions, and “level up” processesSolve and correct operational problems using problem solving techniques and continuous improvement toolsEnsure 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 technologyDevelop new processes and procedures for all facets of productionSupport the global business needs for strategic goals and objectivesAssess and implement analytical methods and tools to increase productivity, decrease variability and reduce safety risksPromote unwavering commitment to the Synthomer Values and Golden RulesWhat you need to be successful ...Bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry or polymer science10 years of chemical plant manufacturing experience - monomer/reactive chemistry (preferred)Chemical plant manufacturing experienceConflict Resolution, Excellent problem-solving skillsExcellent cross functional collaboration and communicationAbility to practically implement continuous improvement principles (Lean, Six Sigma, Waste Reduction) and drive resultsAbility to get results when there is no clear path or solutionAbility to strategize and determine where to focus when there are many competing issues/opportunitiesAbility to change focus as needed and manage multiple projects at the same timeStrong planning and organization skillsActive listener with strong interpersonal skillsExcellent communication skills to all functions at all levelsAbility to communicate and present both internally and externally to a diverse audienceDesire to grow into broader roles with additional responsibilitiesQualifications that can set you apart...Certified Lean Six Sigma Green / Black Belt (ASQ Preferred )Experience with Reactive monomer chemistryExperience with latex chemistryExperience with Process Safety Management in high hazard processesExperience in supervisory roleExperience with RCMS & RC/ISO14001Certified Internal Auditor (Exemplar Global or ASQ Preferred)Previous experience working within ISO 9001 certified quality system 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