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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead compliance activities and manage contracts to ensure secure operations.
- Company: Join OpenWorks, a rapidly growing defence innovation company in the North East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary from £80,000, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and fun team socials.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global security while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in compliance, leadership skills, and knowledge of defence regulations.
- Other info: Empowering culture that celebrates personal growth and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 112000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a meticulous and experienced Head of Contracts and Compliance to centralise and lead our compliance activities, including export controls, contractual governance, and security. This role combines regulatory expertise with leadership and managing a logistics team while expanding the broader contracts and compliance function in line with company growth. You will ensure the business operates securely, support bids and contracts, and drive integrity across all operations at a global level.
Who We Are
OpenWorks is a rapidly growing business operating globally with a passion for exceptional engineering and building on a legacy of defence innovation in the North East of England. Our products provide ultra-high performance, real-time detection, tracking, identification and targeting of dynamic aerial threats. They have been deployed internationally to protect high profile military and civilian assets and contribute towards the defeat of nuisance, misguided and maliciously deployed drones during operations. We are very proud to have supported a wide range of law enforcement and military operators, protecting many of the most high profile sites and individuals around the world. The amazing things we do are only possible because of a dedicated and passionate team.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Competitive remuneration package, salary from £80,000 with performance-related bonuses and clear progression opportunities.
- 25 days' holiday + public holidays, with long-service rewards and the option to buy up to 5 additional days.
- Free breakfast and freshly cooked lunches every day, courtesy of Chef Mark and his team.
- Private healthcare through Aviva, keeping you feeling your best.
- Life assurance for peace of mind.
- Salary sacrifice schemes – including EV car and Cycle to Work options for easy, sustainable travel.
- Paid team socials – from quiz nights and football to board games and more; we love to have fun together.
- Pension plan with employer-matched contributions to help you plan for the future.
- A culture that empowers – we enable change, encourage challenge, and celebrate personal growth.
What You’ll Be Doing
Contracting- Draft, review, negotiate and approve customer and supplier contracts, NDAs, amendments and flowdowns.
- Ensure terms align with company policies, capabilities and risk appetite.
- Support bids and proposals with risk commentary and contract review.
- Maintain contract management processes, including obligations tracking and lifecycle controls.
- Oversee resolution of disputes and escalations.
- Ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, including export controls, trade sanctions, anti-bribery, data protection, and health, safety and environmental regulations.
- Develop and maintain export control frameworks: product classification, licences, technical assistance agreements and staff training.
- Conduct due diligence on customers, suppliers and partners to ensure sanctions compliance.
- Maintain relationships with government authorities and advisors.
- Manage security clearances, classified document handling and security training.
- Manage the logistics team and expand the contracts/compliance team as the business grows.
- Promote a culture of integrity, accountability and risk awareness.
- Identify, assess and mitigate compliance-related risks across the business.
What You’ll Bring
Proven Expertise- Substantial relevant experience in export, compliance, legal, quality.
- Demonstrated strong previous experience in the defence sector with deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks, particularly defence export controls.
- Experience handling sensitive or classified information.
- Proven leadership and management experience.
- Strong communication, diplomacy and analytical skills.
- Calm, decisive and pragmatic under pressure.
- High integrity, attention to detail, and discretion.
- Exceptional analytical skills with risk-aware, pragmatic approach.
- Trustworthy, reliable and focused on compliance excellence.
- ICA International Diploma in Governance, Risk & Compliance, or training from ECJU desirable.
- Security Officer training provided on the job.
Vision: Help protect the territory and airspace of NATO countries and their allies.
Mission: Be a world-leading provider of autonomous technology for Surveillance applications and Defence.
Values: Be a Good Egg, Do cool stuff, Be empowered, We are one team, Things go wrong, Have fun.
Head of Contracts and Compliance employer: OpenWorks Engineering Ltd
Contact Detail:
OpenWorks Engineering Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Contracts and Compliance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and values, especially in defence innovation. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your background and how it relates to the Head of Contracts and Compliance role. Highlight your leadership skills and compliance expertise to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our awesome team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Contracts and Compliance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in contracts and compliance, especially in the defence sector. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and values!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Contracts and Compliance, leadership is key! Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven compliance initiatives in your previous roles. We love to see that collaborative spirit!
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is crucial in this role. When you’re drafting your application, double-check for any typos or errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to ensure their submissions are polished and professional.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at OpenWorks Engineering Ltd
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the relevant laws and regulations, especially those related to export controls and compliance in the defence sector. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to promote a culture of integrity and accountability, as this is crucial for the Head of Contracts and Compliance role. Think of specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since this role requires meticulousness, be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy in contract management and compliance processes. Bring examples of how your attention to detail has positively impacted previous projects or teams.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with OpenWorks' mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around integrity and teamwork. Showing genuine interest in their vision can set you apart from other candidates.
