Global Senior Manager, International Trade Compliance - Centre of Excellence in Birmingham
Global Senior Manager, International Trade Compliance - Centre of Excellence

Global Senior Manager, International Trade Compliance - Centre of Excellence in Birmingham

Birmingham Full-Time 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
L

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
  • Solid understanding of EU, UK, and U.S. trade regulations (EAR / ITAR / EU Dual‑Use / sanctions regimes)
  • Experience working with global trade management systems (e.g. SAP GTS or equivalent)
  • A pragmatic, solutions‑oriented leader with strong stakeholder management skills
  • Comfortable operating in fast‑moving, highly regulated global environments
  • 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

    As a leader in the field of International Trade Compliance, our company offers a fully remote work environment that empowers you to shape a global Centre of Excellence from anywhere in the EU or UK. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development, while ensuring that our team members have a genuine impact on compliance strategies across a complex multinational landscape.
    L

    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

    International Trade Compliance
    Leadership
    Trade Compliance Strategy Development
    Export Controls
    Customs Classification
    Sanctions Screening
    Export Licensing
    Regulatory Knowledge (EU, UK, U.S. trade regulations)
    Global Trade Management Systems (e.g. SAP GTS)
    Stakeholder Management
    Audit Readiness
    Operational Excellence
    Data Governance
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Change Leadership

    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.

    Global Senior Manager, International Trade Compliance - Centre of Excellence in Birmingham
    Leonid Group Ltd
    Location: Birmingham

    Land your dream job quicker with Premium

    You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
    Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
    Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
    1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
    Go Premium

    Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

    >