Reference: 37993Centre 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 & GovernanceDefine and evolve the Trade Compliance Center of Excellence strategy, scope, and service catalogueOwn trade compliance policies, SOPs, playbooks, and governance frameworksDrive audit readiness through control testing, quality checks, issue management, and CAPAsLead the compliance automation roadmap in partnership with IT and data teamsPeople LeadershipBuild, lead, and develop a high‐performing team of trade compliance specialists (4-8 people globally)Set objectives, SLAs, and KPIs to ensure consistent global deliveryAct as the senior technical escalation point for complex or high‐risk mattersOperational ExcellenceOversee export controls, sanctions screening, licensing, and classification activitiesEnsure accuracy and integrity of trade compliance master dataMaintain flawless audit trails and documentation across all transactionsPartner closely with Logistics and Master Data teams to resolve system or data‐related issuesBusiness Partnership & Change LeadershipAct as a senior trade compliance advisor to Legal, Supply Chain, Product, Procurement, Sales Ops, and ITLead compliance readiness for regulatory changes, new products, and integration activityTranslate complex regulatory requirements into pragmatic, business‐friendly guidanceWhat We're Looking For:10+ years' experience in International Trade Compliance, including leadership in a global or CoE/shared services environmentStrong hands‐on expertise across: Export controls (ECCN / dual‐use)Customs classification (HTS)Sanctions & denied party screeningExport licensing and license managementSolid 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 skillsComfortable operating in fast‐moving, highly regulated global environmentsWhy This Role Stands Out: Fully remote role — work from anywhere in the EU or UKGenuine global remit with senior visibility and influenceOpportunity to build and shape a best‐in‐class Trade Compliance Centre of ExcellenceHigh‐impact leadership role rather than a maintenance positionLeonid 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.
