At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global team in shaping trade compliance strategies and frameworks.
- Company: Join a multinational organisation with a focus on innovation and compliance excellence.
- Benefits: Fully remote work, competitive salary, and the chance to influence global operations.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic role with global visibility and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building a best-in-class Trade Compliance Centre of Excellence.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in International Trade Compliance with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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
Leonid Group Corporate Governance is a global talent advisory firm dedicated to Legal, Compliance, Risk, ESG & Sustainability, and Audit functions. These are global disciplines, and so is our network. We work closely with multinational organisations around the world, helping them build and strengthen teams — from Global Chief Compliance Officers and General Counsel to Compliance Analysts and Trade Compliance Specialists.
Locations
Global Senior Manager, International Trade Compliance - Centre of Excellence in Colchester, Essex employer: Leonid Group Ltd
At Leonid Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a fully remote work environment that empowers our team members to thrive from anywhere in the EU or UK. Our culture fosters innovation and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a global network of experts. Join us to lead a transformative Trade Compliance Centre of Excellence, where your strategic vision will have a meaningful impact across multinational organisations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Senior Manager, International Trade Compliance - Centre of Excellence in Colchester, Essex
✨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. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s trade compliance practices. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their challenges and is ready to tackle them head-on.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Senior Manager, International Trade Compliance - Centre of Excellence in Colchester, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Global Senior Manager role. Highlight your expertise in international trade compliance and any leadership experience you've had in similar environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for trade compliance and how you can contribute to building a Centre of Excellence. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a successful project? Improve compliance processes? Numbers and specific examples will make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
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 about setting objectives, managing performance, and developing high-performing teams. Highlight your ability to act as a senior technical escalation point for complex matters.
✨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 contributed to operational excellence. Show that you can translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, business-friendly guidance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in trade compliance and how you resolved them. This is your chance to showcase your pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach and your ability to partner with various stakeholders across the business.
