At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance ethics and compliance across a major food business.
- Company: Join a leading UK and European food producer committed to sustainability.
- Benefits: Work in a collaborative environment with a focus on integrity and transparency.
- Why this job: Shape a modern compliance function in a high-impact role with iconic brands.
- Qualifications: UK-qualified lawyer or compliance professional with 8+ years of experience required.
- Other info: Office-based role in Uxbridge, five days a week.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This major UK and European food business is seeking a Head of Ethics and Compliance. The business operates across 40+ sites in the UK, Ireland, France, and The Netherlands.
This is a high-profile and strategic leadership role for a senior compliance professional or UK-qualified lawyer, with the opportunity to design, lead, and embed a best-in-class ethics and compliance programme across multiple businesses.
About the Business: This leading food producer partners with local farmers to deliver high-quality, sustainable food across poultry, pork, lamb, and beef supply chains. The group includes several household-name brands and supplies own-label, branded, and food-service products across fresh and chilled categories.
Role Overview: The European Head of Ethics & Compliance will be responsible for implementing, managing, and continuously improving the compliance framework across a complex multinational environment. This includes twelve trading entities operating under one group structure. The successful candidate will play a key role in safeguarding the organisation’s integrity and driving an ethical, compliant culture.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver timely and high-quality ethics and compliance advice across all business units
- Develop, maintain, and update internal compliance policies, ensuring alignment with both local and global standards
- Lead annual compliance communications and training programmes across the region
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders (HR, Internal Audit, Finance) to identify, assess, and mitigate risk
- Regularly report compliance performance metrics and participate in global leadership forums
- Stay abreast of industry regulations, trends, and emerging risks
- Lead, motivate and develop a dedicated Ethics & Compliance team
Focus Areas:
- GDPR & Data Protection
- Anti-Corruption & Bribery
- Criminal Finances
- Anti-Trust / Competition Law
- Whistleblowing
Requirements:
- A UK-qualified lawyer or experienced compliance professional with 8+ years of relevant experience
- Proven experience managing compliance in a complex, multinational group
- Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills
- Demonstrated commitment to the highest ethical standards
- Capable of working autonomously while also leading a collaborative and high-performing team
Please note that the role requires working from the company’s office in Uxbridge five days a week.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to shape a modern, dynamic compliance function in a high-impact role
- Work within a respected, sustainability-focused food business with iconic brands and strong values
- Collaborative leadership environment with a clear focus on integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement
Head of Ethics & Compliance employer: Job Traffic
Contact Detail:
Job Traffic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Ethics & Compliance
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the ethics and compliance field, especially those who have experience in multinational environments. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in compliance.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific compliance frameworks and regulations relevant to the food industry, particularly GDPR, anti-corruption laws, and competition law. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would motivate a compliance team. Think about examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team through compliance challenges or implemented new policies.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and sustainability initiatives. Be ready to articulate how your personal ethics align with their mission and how you can contribute to fostering an ethical culture within the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Ethics & Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in ethics and compliance, particularly in a multinational context. Emphasise your qualifications as a UK-qualified lawyer or compliance professional, and include specific examples of how you've managed compliance frameworks.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Discuss your passion for ethics and compliance, and how your values align with the company's commitment to integrity and sustainability. Be sure to mention your leadership experience and ability to work collaboratively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as analytical abilities, organisational skills, and communication prowess. Provide concrete examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles.
Showcase Continuous Learning: Mention any ongoing professional development related to ethics and compliance, such as certifications or training programmes. This shows your commitment to staying updated on industry regulations and trends, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Traffic
✨Understand the Business
Before your interview, take the time to research the company’s values, mission, and the specific challenges they face in the food industry. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in their operations.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in compliance and ethics, particularly in multinational environments. Highlight specific examples where you successfully implemented compliance frameworks or led training programmes, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
As a Head of Ethics & Compliance, leadership is key. Be ready to talk about how you have motivated and developed teams in the past. Share stories that illustrate your ability to foster a collaborative environment while driving compliance initiatives.
✨Stay Current on Regulations
Demonstrate your knowledge of current regulations and trends in ethics and compliance, especially those relevant to the food industry. Being able to discuss recent changes or emerging risks will show that you are proactive and well-informed.