Project Manager

Project Manager page is loaded Project Managerlocations: UK Harlowtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todaytime left to apply: End Date: March 25, 2026 (13 days left to apply)job requisition id: R6815Synthomer 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. Innovation Project Manager Join us as our Innovation Project Manager , where you will lead impactful new product development (NPD) and innovation projects from concept to commercial launch, working closely with R&D, commercial, operations, and customer facing teams. Why This Role Matters As Innovation Project Manager, you'll be the engine driving our innovation pipeline. Your work will accelerate growth, strengthen our customer offering, and support our commitment to sustainability. You'll ensure every project is delivered with clarity, discipline, and pace - governed through a robust Stage Gate process. What You'll Be Doing Project Planning & Execution Develop complete project plans (scope, timelines, risks, milestones) aligned with Synthomer's Stage Gate process. Coordinate technical, commercial, and operational activities to bring new products to market. Maintain clear, audit ready project documentation and governance. Stakeholder & Communication Leadership Lead and inspire cross functional teams with clarity and purpose. Provide regular updates to senior stakeholders including the VP Innovation & Sustainability. Ensure seamless communication between R&D, commercial, and operations teams. Risk, Issue & Change Management Identify and mitigate risks using structured risk registers. Manage scope, resource, and priority changes through appropriate governance. Escalate critical issues early to protect project timelines. Customer & Market Connection Translate customer needs into actionable technical and project requirements. Partner with commercial teams to validate market fit and ensure smooth customer trials. Performance Tracking & Reporting Track and report progress using KPIs such as timeline adherence, cost to develop, and readiness levels. Prepare gate packs and progress projects through established governance milestones. Continuous Improvement Champion best practices in planning, risk management, and resource visibility. Promote structured tools including MS Project, Smartsheet, risk registers, and standardised reporting. Support portfolio reviews and help build a transparent, efficient innovation pipeline. What You'll Bring Education Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Business or a related field. Preferred: PRINCE2, PMP, APM, or equivalent certifications Experience 4-5 years' project management experience, ideally within: + Chemicals, materials, coatings, polymers, food and Pharma related technical industries. + Innovation, R&D, or new product development environments. + Cross functional delivery roles using structured project tools. Key Skills Strong organisational and planning capability Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Strong influence and collaboration skills essential Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication Familiarity with Stage Gate processes Strong analytical and technical interpretation capability Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Risk Registers, Smartsheet, etc.) 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