Regional Supply Chain & Logistics Planning Manager

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.

About the role

At Synthomer Middelburg, supply chain performance is critical to our ability to serve customers reliably, competitively and sustainably. As Supply & Logistics Planning Manager, you will play a central role in shaping and driving the site’s plan‑to‑supply performance as part of the wider regional and global Adhesives Supply Chain organisation.

You are accountable for delivering a highly reliable, efficient and cost‑optimised supply chain, translating business strategy into robust supply and logistics planning execution. You will continuously improve planning processes, service levels, working capital performance and network efficiency, while increasing the ease of doing business both internally and externally.

You will report to the Global Director Adhesives Supply Chain and lead a team of 12 enthusiastic professionals, covering production planning, raw material and finished goods planning, logistics coordination and warehousing activities.

This is a hands‑on leadership role, operating in a complex, international manufacturing environment where strong stakeholder management, data‑driven decision making and operational credibility are key.

Travelling between our Rotterdam office and productionplant in Middelburg is expected

Key responsibilities

• Own and continuously improve site‑level supply, production and logistics planning performance.
• Translate business and supply chain strategy into robust planning concepts, governance and execution plans.
• Drive efficiency and effectiveness of the plan‑to‑supply process, improving service levels, reliability and cost control.
• Monitor and optimise working capital, inventory levels and logistics costs in line with business targets.
• Lead and develop planning and logistics teams, fostering collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Act as a business partner to manufacturing, procurement, sales, customer service and global supply chain stakeholders.
• Use SAP planning modules and supply planning tools to drive transparency, performance and decision quality.
• Balance strategic improvements with attention to operational detail in a dynamic production environment.
• Proactively manage risks and fluctuations in demand, supply or logistics capacity.
• Act and lead in accordance with SHE, safety and environmental standards, ensuring compliance with legal and internal requirements.

What you bring

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree (Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations or related).
• 7+ years of experience in supply chain, planning or logistics roles within a production or chemical/petrochemical environment.
• Strong background in supply planning, production planning and logistics coordination.
• Solid knowledge of modern supply chain best practices.
• Hands‑on experience with SAP planning modules and other supply planning software.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into execution and measurable results.
• Experience working in complex, international matrix environments.
• Leadership experience with the ability to influence, align and develop teams.
• A proactive, structured and analytical mindset, combined with strong communication skills.
• Fluent in English (Dutch is an advantage).

Why join Synthomer

With approximately 250 colleagues in the Netherlands and close to 4,000 globally, Synthomer is a truly international organisation with a strong local presence. We offer a professional environment where ownership, collaboration and continuous improvement are valued.

You can expect:

• A strategic supply chain leadership role with real operational impact.
• Strong exposure to global supply chain stakeholders.
• Excellent development and training opportunities.
• A competitive employment package, including:
  • 13th month
  • Performance bonus
  • Premium‑free pension
• A culture that values safety, diversity and personal growth.

🌍 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