Senior Tyre Application Scientist

The Home, United Kingdom

12/13/2024

Synthomer is an innovative and differentiated global leader in sustainable polymer solutions. The Group is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of water-based polymers and has leadership positions in many markets. Our polymers help customers create innovative new products and enhance the performance of existing products in key industries such as coatings, construction, adhesives, textiles, paper and nitrile medical gloves.

With the acquisition of Eastman Adhesive Resins in 2022 and Omnova Solutions in 2020, Synthomer grew its global manufacturing network, expanded its product portfolio, and boosted its geographical presence, allowing it to better serve over 6000 customers around the world. Synthomer has its operational headquarters in London, UK, and provides customer-focused services from regional centres in Harlow, UK; Marl, Germany; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beachwood, Ohio, USA. It employs more than 5000 employees across over 40 sites and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Purpose Of Role

The senior tyre application scientist is tasked with delivering technical services for tyre and rubber accounts. This role necessitates providing technical support and expertise in the development and application of resins and polymers specifically for tyre tread. The senior tyre application scientist must actively engage with both key and development customers to ensure ongoing business support and to facilitate the initiation of new ventures. This position requires collaboration and coordination with internal stakeholders to address and resolve a variety of customer inquiries related to research and development, sales, regulatory matters, quality, and production. The research and development function for tyre and rubber provides support for this role. The senior tyre application scientist will also take the initiative to build relationships with key customer stakeholders by organising calls and meetings, both virtually and in person.

Main Accountabilities

• Demonstrate leadership in safety, taking initiative to enhance safety measures through personal conduct and proactive engagement in improvement initiatives.
• Oversee the technical service program directed at customers in the rubber and tyre sectors.
• Address customer inquiries and issues utilising a variety of methods, including verbal consultations, laboratory projects, site visits, and the creation of technical documentation.
• Ensure timely resolution of requests by coordinating with multiple functions, such as laboratory work requests, quality control data analysis, and regulatory inquiries, while maintaining a high standard of scientific integrity.
• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the product range, including production processes, quality assurance measures, and application advantages, to effectively support customer accounts.
• Recognise potential new product opportunities or applications for existing products through customer engagement and extensive market insight.
• Assist in the creation of technical literature, sales materials, presentations, and training programs, and deliver these internally or at events with distributors, trade shows, and customers.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies, competitive challenges, and regulatory changes within the tyre additives and specialty performance resin sectors.
• Cultivate strong relationships with technical personnel at major customers, distributors, trade associations, and co-suppliers.
• Record interactions, sample requests, and progress in the customer relationship management (CRM) system.
• Maintain close collaboration with teams focused on tyre and rubber innovation, marketing, product management, and quality control, among others.
  
  

Required Qualification, Experience And Skills

• A background in education related to chemistry, materials science, or polymer science, as well as chemical or materials engineering.
• A minimum of 5 to 10 years of experience in roles such as Chemist, Formulator, or Technical Service, specifically in formulation development and testing within the tyre industry.
• A readiness to travel extensively, with a strong cultural awareness and comfort in undertaking international travel within the EMEA region. Occasional travel outside the EMEA region is also anticipated.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organisational abilities.
• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SFDC.
  
  

Location: The candidate may be located at a Synthomer European site or work from a home office situated in a major European city with access to a significant airport.

In Addition, We Offer a Highly Desirable Benefits Package

• Private health insurance
• Company bonus scheme
• Contributory pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Life insurance
• Support counselling
• Company social events throughout the year
  
  

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.

Why Synthomer?

We are ambitious!

We have grown significantly – both organically and inorganically. We are a FTSE 250 listed company, 22% of our revenue comes from newly commercialized products, and we’re recognized in the top-quartile for chemicals manufacturing safety.

We believe in high challenge, high support!

We are keen to let you contribute in real roles from day 1. We expect a lot, but offer a lot, too. This includes onboarding, induction and learning events, networking opportunities, mentoring and personal development planning. So, be up for an inspiring long-term career adventure.

We personalize our approach to development!

At Synthomer, you won't find generic career tracks or development programs but rather a one-size-fits-one approach to employee development. We'll partner with you to ensure you have the right experiences that build your capabilities and accelerate your career growth.