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.
About The Role
We are looking for a motivated and adaptable Trainee Plant Operator to join our manufacturing team in Harlow. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous manufacturing or plant experience who is looking to develop a long-term career within a production environment.
During your first 8–10 months, you will complete a structured training programme across our Alcotex and Specialities plants. This period will give you exposure to a variety of production processes, equipment and operational responsibilities, allowing you to build a broad understanding of our manufacturing operations.
Following successful completion of the training programme, you will be positioned to move into a permanent Shift Operator role when vacancies arise.
Location: Harlow, EssexHours: Initial Training Phase (8–10 months):
Rotating Days
- Week 1: 7:00am – 4:00pm (Fridays 7:00am – 3:00pm)
- Week 2: 1:00pm – 10:00pm (Fridays 14:00 – 10:00pm)
Future Progression: Shift Operator Role, will be on full day/night shifts with a shift allowance
What You’ll Be Doing
As part of your training, you will gain experience in:
- Packing operations across Alcotex, LHA, Specialities and Tower areas
- Alcotex bead operation
- K9 and K10 operations
- Supporting Tower operational checks when in operation
- Supporting LHA and MAM tanker offloading activities
- Maintaining production and batch documentation
- Assisting with housekeeping, labelling and 5S activities
- Providing support across both Harlow production plants as business needs require
You may also be required to provide additional operational support or cover for long‑term absences within the production shift teams.
Safety, Health & Environment
Safety is our highest priority. You will be expected to:
- Follow all Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) policies and procedures
- Adhere to standard operating procedures and work instructions
- Comply with COSHH assessments and safe working practices
- Support continuous improvement initiatives relating to quality, safety and environmental performance
- Report accidents, incidents and non‑compliances promptly
- Participate in root cause investigations where required
- Wear appropriate PPE at all times
- Maintain excellent housekeeping standards
What We’re Looking For
Essential
- Minimum of 2–3 years’ experience working in a manufacturing, production or plant environment
- GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English
- Positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Flexibility to work across different production areas and shift patterns
- Strong commitment to safety and quality standards
- Desire to develop into a Shift Operator role and build a long‑term career within manufacturing
Desirable
- FLT (Fork Lift Truck) licence
- Experience within a chemical, process manufacturing or industrial production environment
What We Offer
- Structured training programme across multiple plant operations
- Hands‑on experience with a variety of manufacturing processes
- Opportunity to develop your technical and operational skills
- Clear progression pathway into a permanent Shift Operator position
- Supportive and experienced team environment
If you’re looking for a role where you can learn, grow and develop a career in plant operations, we’d love to hear from you.
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
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