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:

The Trade Operator is responsible for overseeing all physical movements of Styrene, Vinyl Acetate Monomer, Butadiene, and Butyl Acetate, along with the related order-to-cash and purchase-to-pay processes within the Synthomer Trading ERP system. This position also entails managing inventory at our external storage facilities. The individual in this role must ensure the safe and reliable delivery of products while balancing cost and service levels to maximise business value. Collaboration with Procurement Managers is essential to identify innovative solutions, leveraging expert knowledge in operations and logistics to address complex operational challenges. Additionally, the Trade Operator will work closely with planners to ensure Synthomer plants receive the necessary feedstocks. Shipping activities for the Adhesives business primarily involve C9 and Piperylene, focusing on Rotterdam, with additional responsibilities in Asia and the United States.

The role includes supervising logistics for the C9 production site, coordinating movements from Germany to Antwerp and Middelburg, as well as managing activities at the Middelburg and Gent sites as required.

While the primary focus is on road and rail operations, the role will also include training in barge and vessel activities as part of the development plan to support other members of the operations team.

Main Accountabilities:

The operator is required to execute all operational aspects of the commercial deals on Styrene, BA, VAM and Butadiene. Working closely with our production sites to ensure feedstock supply. Also working with our 3rd party counterparts including suppliers, customers, terminals, hauliers, and shipping companies. All logistic movements must comply with strict adherence to Synthomer SHE policies to ensure safe movement of hazardous cargoes.
Enter and execute all SAP and database requirements for the Order to Cash Processes and Purchase to Pay. Ensuring prompt invoice generation and execution of supplier invoice
payments. Deliver optional aspects of the monthly site production plans and work closely with the Logistics Procurement Team.
Validate and authorise invoices via SAP ERP where there are exceptions.
Form and maintain strong operational relationships with external trading counterparties, through a competent understanding of long- and short-term supply agreements and trades, plans and co-ordinate the in-month plan to secure supply to production plants. Ensure this is implemented in the most efficient manner possible to reduce costs and act as front line contact within your product area. Help resolve payment disputes as directed by the credit department to reduce overdue payments.
Follow all processes with regards to emergency actions and prior cargo requirements for barges and vessels.
Supervise the appointment of surveyors. Manage and negotiate truck demurrage claims within your product area.
Ensuring documentation is all to comply with VAT and other regulatory requirements and arrange for any imports or exports with our customs brokers.
Manage tank inventory ensuring that loadings or discharges are not compromised due to stock issues.
Liaise with counterparties to ensure OTIF deliveries to our customers via RTC and road.
Initial management of any SHE issues, ranging from off spec materials to incidents involving one of our trucks or RTC.
Assist in activities as needed for the Adhesives and Coatings businesses.

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Proficient in English, with additional language skills being advantageous but not mandatory. A degree-level education or equivalent demonstrable experience in a similar position is required.
Experience: Familiarity with scheduling and planning for bulk road transport and operations related to petrochemical products is preferred. Proficiency in SAP or a comparable ERP system is also required.

Location and Travel requirements:

The position will be located at our headquarters in London, with a minimum requirement of three days per week as part of the hybrid working arrangement.

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

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.

Synthomer

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Trade Operator - Logistics