Commercial Graduate

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.

Commercial Graduate Leadership Programme (Ignite)

Ready to Ignite Your Career? Starting September 2027

Join Synthomer's Graduate Leadership Programme – Ignite, a two-year accelerated development journey designed to build the next generation of commercial leaders. At Synthomer, you'll gain real business responsibility from day one, working alongside experienced professionals to drive growth, build customer partnerships, and support strategic decision-making in a global organisation.

Why Synthomer?

Synthomer is a leading global supplier of high-performance polymers and ingredients that play a vital role in industries including coatings, construction, adhesives, health, and protection.  With approximately 3,500 employees, five innovation centres of excellence, 28 manufacturing sites worldwide, we combine global scale with local expertise to deliver innovative solutions to customers across the world.

Innovation is at the heart of what we do. Around 20% of our sales volumes come from new and patent-protected products, and since 2021 Synthomer has held the London Stock Exchange's Green Economy Mark in recognition of our contribution to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy.  As an Ignite Graduate, you'll gain exposure to senior leaders, global markets, and key commercial functions while developing a strong foundation for a long-term leadership career.

What You'll Be Doing

Through a series of structured development experiences, projects and business rotations, you will:

• Support commercial teams in identifying and delivering profitable growth opportunities
• Develop a strong understanding of Synthomer's customers, products, markets, and value proposition
• Build relationships with customers and support customer engagement activities
• Analyse market trends, customer insights, and competitor activity to inform business decisions
• Contribute to pricing, commercial strategy, and business development initiatives
• Partner with functions including Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, and R&D to deliver customer solutions
• Support negotiations and commercial discussions with customers and stakeholders
• Lead and contribute to business improvement and value creation projects
• Use data and insight to identify opportunities for growth, efficiency, and enhanced customer service
• Take ownership of your professional development through mentoring, coaching, and ongoing learning opportunities

You'll ideally have:

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, Chemistry
• Strong commercial awareness and an interest in how businesses create value and drive growth
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• The confidence to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders
• A collaborative mindset and ability to build strong working relationships
• A proactive approach with a willingness to challenge thinking and drive improvement
• An interest in working within a global B2B manufacturing environment
• Adaptability, resilience, and willingness to embrace new challenges
• Fluent English, both written and spoken

What You'll Gain

As part of the Ignite Programme, you'll benefit from:

• Structured leadership and professional development
• Exposure to senior business leaders and mentors
• Meaningful project ownership from the start of your career
• Cross-functional experience
• Access to a wide range of learning resources.
• Opportunities to build a global professional network
• A clear pathway towards future leadership opportunities within Synthomer

Shape the Future With Us

This programme is designed for individuals who want to make an impact, take on meaningful responsibility, and accelerate their development in a global commercial environment. If you're ready to challenge yourself, build a rewarding career, and help shape the future of Synthomer, we'd love to hear from you.

Ignite your potential. Lead the future. Join Synthomer.

Synthomer Strategy Video: Michael Willome Synthomer Strategy

“At Synthomer we value the difference everyone brings to work and we are committed to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, where people are supported to make their best contribution in creating a vibrant and successful business”

 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