At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance global trade compliance strategies while ensuring regulatory adherence.
- Company: Join Draken, a forward-thinking organisation committed to diversity and employee recognition.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, pension contributions, bonuses, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values respect and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in international trade compliance and drive meaningful change.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in trade compliance with strong leadership and regulatory knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Draken believes in fair reward and recognition for our employees. As such, we offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including up to 12% matching pension contributions, bonus incentives, discounted PMI, electric car scheme, tech vouchers, wellbeing programmes and much more.
Role Overview
The Head of Trade Compliance is responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously improving the organisation’s global trade compliance framework. This role ensures full compliance with applicable import, export, customs, sanctions, embargoes, and trade control regulations, while enabling the business to operate efficiently and competitively across international markets. The role acts as the key subject matter expert and strategic advisor to senior leadership on trade compliance risk, regulatory change, and operational integration.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and own Draken’s global trade compliance strategy, aligned to business objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Establish and maintain trade compliance policies, standards and governance frameworks across all regions.
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex or high‑risk trade compliance matters.
- Provide insight, reporting and assurance to senior leadership, Audit Committee and Board as required.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with UK, EU, US and international regulations, including export controls, customs, sanctions and embargo regimes (e.g. UK Export Control Order, EU Dual‑Use, EAR, ITAR, OFSI, OFAC).
- Monitor regulatory changes, assess business impact and implement required actions.
- Lead licensing strategies and ensure effective control and utilisation.
Risk, Assurance & External Engagement
- Identify, assess and mitigate trade compliance risks across the business.
- Lead internal audits, reviews and gap analyses.
- Oversee investigations into potential breaches and lead corrective actions.
- Act as the primary interface with regulatory authorities during audits or disclosures.
Business Integration
- Embed trade compliance into key business processes, including: Business development and sales, Supply chain and logistics, Engineering, product classification and development, M&A activity and new market entry.
- Provide practical, risk‑based advice to support commercial decision‑making.
Leadership & Capability
- Lead, develop and mentor the UK trade compliance team.
- Define team structure, resourcing and capability needs.
- Design and deliver impactful trade compliance training across the organisation.
- Champion a strong culture of compliance, accountability and ethical conduct.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Significant experience (typically 10+ years) in trade compliance, export controls, customs, or international trade, with leadership responsibility.
- Demonstrated experience managing trade compliance in a multinational or highly regulated environment.
- Strong working knowledge of UK, EU, and US trade regulations; global experience highly advantageous.
- Proven ability to design and implement enterprise-level compliance frameworks.
- Experience dealing with regulatory authorities and managing audits or disclosures.
- Strategic leadership with strong commercial awareness.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levels.
- Strong analytical and risk-based decision‑making capability.
- Pragmatic, solutions-oriented mindset with attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into clear operational guidance.
- High integrity and sound professional judgement.
Education & Professional Certifications (Preferred)
- Degree in Law, International Trade, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
- Professional certifications such as: Customs or trade compliance certifications (e.g. ACSS, CIPS, ICC).
- Ongoing professional development in international trade regulation.
Key Measures of Success
- Effective management and reduction of trade compliance risk.
- Positive outcomes from audits and regulatory engagements.
- Integration of compliance into business processes without unnecessary disruption.
- Capability, engagement, and performance of the trade compliance team.
- Strong compliance culture across the organisation.
Why Join Draken Europe?
At Draken, you’ll be part of a team making a real impact on mission critical operations. You’ll have opportunities to develop your technical skills, support meaningful projects, and contribute to the digital transformation of a unique and exciting organisation. Our employee values Draken is committed to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination and we celebrate the differences that a diverse workforce brings. A range of perspective and talent supports our values and drives our success, with a mix of voices generating better discussions, business decisions and outcomes for all. At all our sites internationally, every member of the Draken team is accountable to ensure that we are all treated fairly and with respect. We are also an Armed Forces friendly organisation, and as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, welcome applications from veterans and services spouses and partners who met the criteria in our job specifications. In line with our Disability Confident Commitments, we provide reasonable adjustments to facilitate our interview process, please liaise with us if any reasonable adjustments are required.
Head of Trade Compliance in Bournemouth employer: Draken Europe
Draken Europe is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bournemouth where innovation meets dedication in the defence sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide comprehensive benefits and competitive salaries, ensuring our team members are well-supported in their roles. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values your expertise and fosters meaningful contributions to cutting-edge aerospace and electronic warfare projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Trade Compliance in Bournemouth
✨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 Draken Europe looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Trade Compliance in Bournemouth
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 Draken Europe. 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 Draken Europe
✨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 Draken Europe’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
