Battery Lab Manager

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 the Job:

We are recruiting for a Battery Lab Manager to lead the activities of Synthomer’s EU electrochemistry lab, supporting the Battery Materials business to develop new products and grow the company’s presence in the lithium-ion battery marketplace. The role offers the opportunity to collaborate with global stakeholders with varied functions within the organisation.

The Battery Lab Manager will have a first-hand, direct involvement in the test works itself, incorporating tasks such as slurry/electrode preparation, cell assembly and data analysis within a small facility. The lab is a co-located on a shared Synthomer site and adherence to appropriate policies and standards would fall within the remit of this role.

Main Accountabilities:

• Ensuring the lab operates to an excellent standard of health and safety, meeting all site and Group SHE requirements.

• Managing a small team to work effectively whilst providing support for growth and development.

• Liaising with the equivalent facility in China to share good practice and learning.

• Working with the technical and commercial teams to build development programs targeting the current market, supporting customer-facing activities as required.

• Providing inputs to help shape and execute the long-term innovation pipeline.

• Developing program schedules to optimise equipment utilisation, taking a direct involvement in the test work.

• Providing administrative support to help the lab run efficiently, including purchasing of laboratory consumables, coordinating the service/repair of equipment and coordinating waste management with the local site team.

• Representing the business at industry events such as trade shows.

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree in Material Science, Physics or similar science and have experience in electrochemistry.

• Extensive experience working in a laboratory environment, being comfortable with both lab work and the management of lab equipment.

• Teamworking and people management, operating with a certain level of independence whilst being part of a larger organisation.

• Ability to work collaboratively with remote indirect team members across different territories and cultures.

• Ability to manage, interpret and present data to stakeholders across different levels of seniority and technical capabilities.

Location and Travel requirements:

• Normal place of work: Accrington, UK

• Some limited domestic and international travel to support the needs of the business.

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.