Head of Global Pensions and Benefits

Overview

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. Headquartered in London, UK, the company is publicly listed and employs around 3,900 people across five innovation centres of excellence and more than 29 manufacturing sites worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the global pensions and benefits strategy, ensuring alignment with Synthomer’s broader people and business objectives.
• Provide global oversight and direction for pensions and benefits policies, ensuring they remain competitive, sustainable and fit for purpose.
• Drive continuous improvement across pensions and benefits frameworks, processes and governance.
• Ensure pension and benefit plans are effectively governed, administered and compliant with local legislative requirements.
• Identify, evaluate and manage strategic pension and benefits risks and opportunities.
• Partner with the CFO and lead pensions and benefits reporting and recommendations to the Audit Committee.
• Provide strategic oversight and support for UK and US pension arrangements, including legacy defined benefit schemes, and develop and manage the roadmap towards buyout for legacy UK and US defined benefit pension plans.
• Lead the ongoing review and benchmarking of global benefits programmes to ensure market competitiveness and employee engagement.
• Partner with local HR teams to design, review and implement effective benefits programmes that meet local market needs.
• Build pensions and benefits expertise across the global HR community, sharing knowledge and best practice.
• Support mergers, acquisitions and business transformation activity through specialist pensions and benefits expertise.
• Contribute to broader Total Rewards initiatives, including pay transparency, reward harmonisation and employee experience enhancement.

About You

We’re looking for a collaborative and commercially minded pensions and benefits leader who combines deep technical expertise with strategic thinking and excellent stakeholder management skills.

Essential Experience

• 10+ years’ experience within pensions and benefits, gained in a global organisation or leading consultancy.
• Deep knowledge of the management, governance and operation of pension schemes in the UK and US.
• Proven experience developing and implementing global benefits strategies.
• Strong understanding of pensions and benefits governance, compliance and risk management.
• Experience working with pension trustees, governance committees and senior executive stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

Desirable Experience

• Experience leading a defined benefit pension scheme through a buyout process.
• Experience supporting pensions and benefits aspects of mergers, acquisitions or major corporate transactions.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic, analytical and commercially focused.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset with the confidence to challenge established practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing executive papers and delivering presentations to senior audiences.
• Ability to simplify complex topics and make them accessible and engaging.
• Collaborative approach with a proven ability to build strong cross‑functional relationships.

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