Lead Training Specialist

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.3,500 employees across our 5 innovation centres of excellence and more than 28 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.

Job Responsibilities:

• Coordinate, deliver, and track employee training programs to ensure compliance, qualification, and development requirements are met
• Develop and maintain annual training plans, training materials, procedures, and related documentation
• Monitor training effectiveness through assessments, audits, KPIs, and compliance metrics; recommend and implement improvements
• Maintain accurate training records, qualification matrices, job qualification logs, and Learning Management System (LMS) data to support audit readiness
• Conduct new hire orientation, onboarding training, contractor orientations, and probationary employee progress reviews
• Assign and track computer-based training and ensure completion of required certifications and retraining activities
• Partner with managers and supervisors to identify training needs and support employee development initiatives
• Facilitate train-the-trainer programs and coach internal subject matter experts, supervisors, and leaders on training processes
• Lead site training and safety culture initiatives to promote employee engagement, compliance, and performance
• Prepare and communicate training reports, compliance metrics, and program status updates to leadership
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits related to training and qualification requirements
• Maintain current knowledge of operational processes, products, and regulatory requirements to ensure effective training programs
• Coordinate and administer employee bid processes as assigned.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support business needs
• Partner with HR, Operations, Safety, and Leadership teams to identify training needs and ensure compliance requirements are met
• Plan, develop, and deliver training programs using a variety of methods, including classroom, on-the-job, coaching, and digital training

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Safety, Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), Organizational Development, or closely related technical discipline OR
• A high school diploma or technical certification combined with 10+ years of direct chemical plant operations or heavy industrial training experience may be accepted in lieu of a four-year degree
• Preferred Certifications: Certified Professional in Training and Performance (CPTP), Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or specialized OSHA/PSM certifications are highly desirable

Skills:

• Strong training facilitation, coaching, and presentation skills, with the ability to deliver engaging learning experiences in both virtual and in-person environments
• Ability to develop and implement competency-based training and qualification programs, including performance assessments and practical skill evaluations
• Strong knowledge of regulatory and safety requirements, including PSM, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and training compliance standards
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization and influence diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrates professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, accountability, and a customer-focused approach
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and translate complex operational tasks into effective training solutions
• Experience conducting field observations, audits, and job task analyses to identify training needs and performance improvement opportunities
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work flexible hours as needed to support training initiatives and operational requirements
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and audiovisual training technology
• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including walking the plant floor, climbing stairs or ladders, and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE)

🌍 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