At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance strategy and product safety across Europe for a top retail company.
- Company: Join a leading NASDAQ-listed retail giant with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive executive package, comprehensive benefits, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with exposure to strategic growth initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on compliance in a fast-paced, international environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in compliance, strong leadership, and knowledge of European regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London, United Kingdom
About the Company
Our client is one of the world's leading retail companies, publicly listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, with a rapidly expanding international footprint across Europe, North America, and Asia. As the business continues to invest in its omnichannel and cross-border e-commerce capabilities, it is seeking an exceptional compliance leader to help shape and strengthen its European compliance framework.
About the Role
This is a senior leadership position within the European Compliance organization, responsible for building and leading the operational compliance and product safety function across Europe. Working in close partnership with the Legal team, this role will ensure that products, operations, and supply chain activities comply with applicable European regulations while enabling sustainable business growth and maintaining customer trust.
The successful candidate will lead a network of Compliance Business Partners across multiple European markets, together with a UK-based central compliance team responsible for trade compliance, product safety, and dangerous goods compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Compliance Strategy & Leadership
- Define and execute the European compliance and product safety strategy across food and non-food retail operations.
- Build and scale the regional compliance operating model, governance framework, policies, controls, and organizational capabilities.
- Ensure compliance strategy supports business growth while maintaining the highest standards of customer safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
- Act as the senior compliance leader for Europe and serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on regulatory and compliance matters.
- Partner closely with Legal while maintaining clear accountability for operational compliance and product safety.
- Leadership of the European Compliance Function
- Lead, coach, and develop a geographically dispersed team of Compliance Business Partners across Europe.
- Manage the UK-based central compliance organization responsible for specialist compliance functions.
- Establish consistent compliance standards, governance mechanisms, operating procedures, and best practices across all European markets.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, collaboration, and risk awareness.
- Product Safety, Trade Compliance & Dangerous Goods
- Oversee compliance programs covering product safety across multiple retail categories.
- Lead European trade compliance activities, including customs, import/export regulations, product classification, sanctions screening, and restricted goods.
- Partner closely with logistics and supply chain teams to ensure compliance in warehousing, transportation, and fulfillment operations.
- Ensure full compliance with European regulations governing the storage, handling, and transportation of dangerous goods.
- Enterprise Risk & Governance
- Develop and lead the European compliance risk management framework.
- Identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate operational, regulatory, and customer risks across the business.
- Establish governance structures, compliance monitoring programs, reporting mechanisms, and internal controls.
- Drive root-cause analysis and implement scalable solutions to strengthen long-term compliance capability.
- Cross-Functional Business Partnership
- Collaborate with senior leaders across Product, Commercial, Operations, Supply Chain, Legal, Public Policy, Tax, Technology, and Corporate Affairs.
- Embed compliance and product safety considerations into new business initiatives, market expansion, and strategic projects.
- Provide practical, risk-based guidance that balances regulatory requirements with commercial objectives.
- Regulated Products & Emerging Compliance Areas
- Support the development of compliance frameworks for regulated product categories, including pharmacy, healthcare, food, consumer products, and other regulated sectors.
- Build specialist compliance capabilities as the business expands into new markets and product categories.
- Monitor emerging European regulatory developments and ensure timely implementation across the organization.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Law, Business, Risk Management, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, or a related discipline. An advanced degree is an advantage.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in compliance, product safety, regulatory affairs, or risk management within retail, e-commerce, logistics, consumer goods, or related industries.
- Demonstrated experience leading multi-country compliance organizations across Europe.
- Strong knowledge of European product compliance, consumer product safety, trade compliance, customs regulations, sanctions, import/export controls, and dangerous goods regulations.
- Experience working with regulated product categories, ideally including food, healthcare, pharmacy, or consumer products.
- Deep understanding of European regulatory frameworks and cross-border retail operations.
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical business solutions.
- Strong commercial acumen and sound judgment.
- Proven experience influencing executive leadership and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
- Outstanding leadership skills with experience building and developing high-performing international teams.
- Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth, and highly regulated international environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage ambiguity, drive organizational change, and build scalable compliance capabilities.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to join one of the world's leading NASDAQ-listed retail companies.
- Executive leadership role with significant influence across Europe.
- Exposure to complex international operations and strategic growth initiatives.
- Collaborative, high-performing, and diverse global leadership environment.
- Competitive executive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and long-term career development opportunities.
Head of Compliance employer: Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group)
Join a leading NASDAQ-listed retail company in London, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the European compliance landscape. Our collaborative and high-performing work culture fosters diversity and innovation, providing you with significant influence and exposure to complex international operations. With competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, we are committed to your long-term career development and success.
Contact Details:
Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Compliance
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group) looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group). Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group)
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group)’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
