At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve global trade compliance strategies while ensuring regulatory adherence.
- Company: Draken, a company that values fair reward and recognition for its employees.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to 12% pension matching, bonuses, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping trade compliance and making a global impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in trade compliance, strong leadership, and excellent stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € 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 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.
Head of Trade Compliance employer: Draken Europe
At Draken, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our employees through competitive salaries and a robust benefits package, including generous pension contributions and wellbeing programmes. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth and innovation, particularly in the dynamic field of trade compliance, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping our global strategy while enjoying the advantages of working in a supportive environment that prioritises both personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Trade Compliance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend trade compliance events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of current regulations and compliance frameworks. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key points to discuss, so you can impress the hiring managers with your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking! During interviews, share examples of how you've developed or improved compliance strategies in the past. We want to see how you can bring that experience to Draken and make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Trade Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Trade Compliance role. Highlight your experience with trade compliance frameworks and any relevant regulatory knowledge. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Draken. Share specific examples of how you've tackled trade compliance challenges in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a senior role, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. In your application, emphasise your experience in leading teams and influencing stakeholders. Let us know how you’ve driven compliance initiatives successfully!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken Europe
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the key regulations relevant to the role, such as UK Export Control Order and ITAR. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the compliance landscape but also ready to tackle the challenges head-on.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've developed or improved compliance strategies in previous roles. This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to align trade compliance with business objectives, so think about specific outcomes and metrics you can share.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve managed relationships with senior leadership and regulatory authorities in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and how you’ve influenced decisions at a high level.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Be prepared to talk through your analytical process when assessing regulatory changes and their impact on business operations. Use real-life examples to illustrate your risk-based decision-making capabilities and how you’ve translated complex regulations into actionable guidance.
