Vice President - HR

Synthomer plc 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

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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.

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Vice President - HR to lead our Americas region and partner with one of our key business divisions, Adhesive Solutions. This pivotal role will shape and deliver people strategies that drive business performance, foster a high-performing culture, and support regional growth across the Americas. As a key member of both the Americas Leadership Team and the Global HR Leadership Team, you will influence global HR priorities and lead a talented HR team to deliver impactful solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Adhesive Solutions division, and other leaders across the Americas, providing coaching and challenge to elevate individual, team, and divisional performance
• Design and implement strategic HR solutions aligned with business goals and evolving market dynamics
• Represent Americas HR across divisional and global forums, ensuring alignment of business and people priorities
• Inspire and lead the Americas HR team, ensuring optimal structure, resourcing, and performance management
• Drive change initiatives, organisational design, and cultural transformation to support business agility
• Lead or support merger and acquisition activities including due diligence and integration
• Oversee core HR functions including talent management, L&D, compensation & benefits, employee relations, and HR analytics
• Ensure HR practices comply with internal policies and external legislation across tax, immigration, employment, and data protection
• Manage collective bargaining and works council activities with professionalism and alignment to business goals
• Champion Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) standards across all HR activities

Education:

• Graduate with a recognised qualification in Business or Human Resources
• Postgraduate or master’s degree in HR or a business-related field is advantageous

Experience:

• Significant experience in a senior HR management role
• Experience within Chemical or Manufacturing organisations
• Proven track record of leading HR teams/functions and operating as part of a senior business leadership team
• Strong leadership, commercial acumen, and strategic thinking capabilities
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • Senior resourcing and talent management
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Employee development and relations
  • HR technology and internal communications