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.
The Role
You will manage the purchase of indirect goods and services for the plant for the assigned spend category. You will make sure that purchases are compliant with requested specifications, with local laws, with Synthomer SHE standards, with Synthomer Sustainable Procurement Policy, with Synthomer Ethic Code and core Values. You deliver best value purchasing: cost savings, quality, flexibility, supplier relationships, cooperating with local stakeholders to support the site with all activities connected to Indirect Procurement
Responsibilities
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You manage and coordinate the purchase of indirect goods and services for the site and manage transactions via the SAP system and Ariba.
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You manage expenses, evaluate quotes/suppliers in order to arrive at better agreements.
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You benchmark expense categories, together with the Global Category Manager.
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You manage relationships with suppliers and actively support stakeholders in case of complaints. You apply and promote the preferred supplier approach.
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You negotiate and manage the local supplier base.
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You are proactive in innovation and new market technology opportunities.
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You apply the 'sustainability' approach in all purchasing activities.
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You act in accordance with the relevant SHE regulations, internally, externally and contractually.
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You act and behave in a safe and environmentally responsible manner in accordance with legal, internal and SHEMS requirements and work together with others to ensure a safe working environment and legal obligations are met.
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You participate in local and/or group projects and verify the economic impact.
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You work closely with and support other members of the procurement department. You are active within the local and EMEA procurement team to achieve the joint objectives.
About you
You have a relevant education and several years of experience in a similar position, preferably in an industrial-technical environment. Affinity to MRO category is a plus. You speak fluent Dutch and English. You have negotiation and analytical skills, calculate quickly, think strategically and know how to deal with suppliers. It is also important that you are a good team worker so that we can achieve even better results together.
Why join Synthomer
With approximately 250 colleagues in the Netherlands and close to 4,000 globally, Synthomer is a truly international organisation with a strong local presence. We offer a professional environment where ownership, collaboration and continuous improvement are valued.
You can expect:
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A strategic role with real impact.
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Excellent development and training opportunities.
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A competitive employment package, including:
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13th month
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Performance bonus
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Premium‑free pension
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A culture that values safety, diversity and personal growth.
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
