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- Tasks: Lead and enhance global trade compliance strategies while ensuring regulatory adherence.
- Company: Join Draken, a leader in mission-critical operations with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension contributions, bonuses, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and professional growth.
- 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 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Hurn, Dorset
Hours: Full-time 37 hours | Permanent
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
- Strategy & Governance
- 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.
Skills & Competencies
- 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:
- UK Export Control qualifications
- 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.
About You
About Us
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Being ready is not only a matter of when. But where. We provide services in the UK, US and across the NATO countries. Making sure that our allies can manoeuvre around defeat and prepare to prevail.
Head of Trade Compliance in Bournemouth employer: Draken
Contact Detail:
Draken Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Trade Compliance in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the trade compliance field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK, EU, and US trade regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex compliance issues in the past. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in trade compliance. Highlighting your ability to mentor and develop others can set you apart from the competition.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Trade Compliance in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in trade compliance, especially in relation to the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Showcase Your Expertise: Don’t hold back on detailing your knowledge of UK, EU, and US trade regulations. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate a strong grasp of these areas, so make it clear how your expertise can benefit us at Draken.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and achievements at a glance. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Draken
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on UK, EU, and US trade regulations before the interview. Being able to discuss specific compliance frameworks and how they apply to Draken's operations will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but are ready to dive deep into the complexities of trade compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Trade Compliance, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations or during audits. Highlight your experience in mentoring and developing team members to create a strong compliance culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and risk management abilities. Think about past experiences where you identified compliance risks and how you mitigated them. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don't forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Draken's current trade compliance challenges and how they integrate compliance into their business processes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.