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,…