At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global Trade Compliance Centre of Excellence and manage a specialist team.
- Company: Join a multinational organisation with a focus on compliance and governance.
- Benefits: Fully remote work, global influence, and leadership opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape trade compliance strategies and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in International Trade Compliance with strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Work from anywhere in the EU or UK with a genuine global remit.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
Centre of Excellence Leadership Role (Fully Remote | Open to candidates across the EU & UK)
We’ve been exclusively retained to appoint a senior International Trade Compliance leader to establish and lead a Global Trade Compliance Centre of Excellence within a complex, multinational organisation. This is a rare opportunity to shape how trade compliance is delivered globally, combining strategic leadership, deep technical expertise, and operational excellence, all within a fully remote model.
The Opportunity
You’ll take ownership of a global trade compliance Centre of Excellence, leading a specialist team responsible for classification, screening, licensing, master data governance, and system‑enabled controls. This role sits at the intersection of regulatory risk, global operations, and technology, with real influence across Legal, Logistics, IT, Master Data, and the wider business. If you enjoy building robust frameworks and rolling up your sleeves on complex matters, this role offers both scale and substance.
Key Responsibilities
- Global Strategy & Governance
- Define and evolve the Trade Compliance Center of Excellence strategy, scope, and service catalogue
- Own trade compliance policies, SOPs, playbooks, and governance frameworks
- Drive audit readiness through control testing, quality checks, issue management, and CAPAs
- Lead the compliance automation roadmap in partnership with IT and data teams
- People Leadership
- Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing team of trade compliance specialists (4-8 people globally)
- Set objectives, SLAs, and KPIs to ensure consistent global delivery
- Act as the senior technical escalation point for complex or high‑risk matters
- Operational Excellence
- Oversee export controls, sanctions screening, licensing, and classification activities
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of trade compliance master data
- Maintain flawless audit trails and documentation across all transactions
- Partner closely with Logistics and Master Data teams to resolve system or data‑related issues
- Business Partnership & Change Leadership
- Act as a senior trade compliance advisor to Legal, Supply Chain, Product, Procurement, Sales Ops, and IT
- Lead compliance readiness for regulatory changes, new products, and integration activity
- Translate complex regulatory requirements into pragmatic, business‑friendly guidance
What We’re Looking For
- 10+ years’ experience in International Trade Compliance, including leadership in a global or CoE/shared services environment
- Strong hands‑on expertise across:
- Export controls (ECCN / dual‑use)
- Customs classification (HTS)
- Sanctions & denied party screening
- Export licensing and license management
Why This Role Stands Out
- Fully remote role — work from anywhere in the EU or UK
- Genuine global remit with senior visibility and influence
- Opportunity to build and shape a best‑in‑class Trade Compliance Centre of Excellence
- High‑impact leadership role rather than a maintenance position
Global Senior Manager, International Trade Compliance - Centre of Excellence in Birmingham employer: Leonid Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Leonid Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Senior Manager, International Trade Compliance - Centre of Excellence in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend virtual trade compliance events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s trade compliance practices. Show us you understand their challenges and how you can help shape their Centre of Excellence with your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; proactively reach out to companies you admire. Express your interest in their trade compliance initiatives and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to hiring managers. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Senior Manager, International Trade Compliance - Centre of Excellence in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in International Trade Compliance. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've built and led teams in the past, especially in a global or Centre of Excellence environment.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonid Group Ltd
✨Know Your Trade Compliance Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of international trade compliance regulations, especially EU, UK, and U.S. laws. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in export controls, customs classification, and sanctions screening.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong people leadership, so think about how you've built and led teams in the past. Prepare to share stories that highlight your ability to set objectives, manage performance, and develop high-performing teams in a global context.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you would define and evolve the Trade Compliance Centre of Excellence strategy. Think about frameworks you've implemented before and how they could apply to this new role. Show them you can think big while also being detail-oriented.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to regulatory changes or compliance challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios, as it will showcase your pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach.