Corporate Communications Manager

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.

Key Dimensions: Internal employee engagement and external communications delivery. 50% US regional focus/50% global corporate communications.

Work Arrangement: This role operates under a hybrid work model, with employees expected to be in the office four days per week and eligible to work remotely one day per week, subject to business needs.

Purpose of Role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious team and to play a pivotal role in supporting the communications team to build the Group's communication capabilities as we tell the Synthomer story and enhance and protect our reputation. We are looking for an experienced and proactive communications manager to lead the delivery of engaging internal and external communications that connect people, amplify business priorities and strengthen our brand.

This role is focused primarily on internal communications, ensuring employees are informed, engaged and aligned with company strategy, while also supporting external communications through thought leadership, employer branding and social media content. The successful candidate will be a strong storyteller with the ability to transform complex technical information into compelling, audience-focused communications. They will be equally comfortable developing strategic communication plans as well as rolling up their sleeves to deliver tactical communications at pace.

Main Accountabilities:

• Develop and deliver impactful integrated communication plans that support business priorities, organisational change and employee engagement.
• Sourcing and creating a consistent drumbeat of content, across internal and external channels, with compelling narratives that connect Synthomer's corporate, divisional and stakeholder activities to its purpose
• Create engaging content across a range of channels including Viva Engage, SharePoint, leadership communications, town halls and the corporate website.
• Manage and optimise internal communications platforms including Viva Engage and SharePoint.
• Partner with business leaders and subject matter experts both in the US and globally to communicate complex initiatives in a clear, engaging and accessible way.
• Support leadership communications in the US, including leadership messaging, presentations and key announcements.
• Drive adoption of communication best practices across the organisation.
• Develop and manage content for external platforms including LinkedIn and other corporate channels to strengthen brand awareness and employer reputation.
• Create thought leadership, case studies, success stories and corporate communications materials.
• Support external campaigns, events and industry communications activities.
• Ensure consistency of messaging and brand tone across all communications.
• Drive a culture of measurement and continuous improvement, using data and audience feedback to enhance communication outcomes.

Essential skills/knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of SharePoint, Viva Engage and LinkedIn, with the ability to optimize platform effectiveness through governance, content strategy, user engagement and continuous improvement.

Person Specification

• Proven corporate communications experience within a FTSE 250 or similarly complex global organisation.
• Strong track record of delivering integrated communications campaigns across internal and external channels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics and create compelling narratives.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with sound judgement and political awareness.
• Agile, adaptable and hands-on, able to balance strategic planning with tactical delivery in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
• Highly organised, collaborative and resilient, with the ability to manage multiple priorities combined with a delivery focused approach.

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