Global Logistics Specialist

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.

What are we looking for?

The Global Logistics Specialist, located in Beachwood, Ohio will support import - export and US operational logistics activities liaising closely with North American sites, Logistic Service Providers, and Domestic & International Customer Service personnel.

He/she will coordinate logistics activities for US imports into domestic transload / warehouses and customer facilities to receive and process shipments in an accurate and timely manner. This includes monitoring shipments in transit, securing domestic carrier booking arrangements, document preparation / coordination. He/ she will work with our Custom Broker to ensure all documents are received and shipments are cleared in a timely manner.

He/she will coordinate and assist North America site operations as a point of contact with third party logistics providers, Freight Forwarders, Customer Care, and Supply Chain for export activity including  bookings requests, international shipping documentation, order execution, product availability, loading, and shipment status.  

The Global Logistics Specialist will be responsible for capturing, controlling and communicating operations-related costs / metrics, and identifying opportunities to reduce costs across all modes.

What you'll do this in this role...

• Coordinate shipment activities at external distribution/transload facilities, and import / export shipments to and from ports
• Create, manage, and distribute as needed relevant international documentation, e.g. Booking Requests, Invoices, COA’s, Carrier Delivery orders and other requirements
• Communicate with Customer Care, Supply Chain planning or intercompany counterparts with respect to booking, sailing, shipment details and progress of shipments
• Identify and resolve issues in a timely fashion to ship flawlessly with respect to Synthomer commitment to customers.
• Capture and report on logistics data / costs and identify opportunities by mode, site and products to achieve cost savings
• Coordinate efforts with internal stakeholders and external service partners to facilitate expedited and air freight shipment requests and airfreight import deliveries
• Coordinate responses to requests for freight pricing from the Business/Commercial team with the Logistics Procurement team and update freight costs in internal SAP systems as needed
• Quickly identify and communicate current logistics issues, as well as, anticipate potential issues, develop sound recovery plans, ensure execution of plans & communication of status to all relevant parties
• Participate in cross-functional reviews, driving operational improvement in the supply chain.
• Support a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented environment with peers and cross-functional partners; drive ongoing collaboration with peers to ensure consistency of information, share best practices and develop systems knowledge; communicate across multiple levels of the organization
• Maintain SAP systems integrity

What we need from you...

• Bachelor's degree required (concentration preferred in Supply Chain, Operations, Business, Logistics, or a related field)
• 5+ years in international / domestic shipping, warehouse / site operations and distribution processes
• Knowledge of customs process, Incoterms 2020, import/export documentation and international shipping practices
• Experience with ocean carrier processes, and knowledge of port operations. Experience with bulk shipments and ISO Tanks
• Experience with US domestic shipping requirements / documentation, 3PL distribution operations and practices, including material flow, and order processing
• Microsoft Office experience & proficiency
• Experience using an ERP system
• Strong organizational & time management skills
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to communicate effectively across the organization

Qualifications that can set you apart...

• Dangerous Goods certification
• ASCM Certifications
• Microsoft certifications or class completion
• SAP ERP experience

🌍 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