Global Senior Manager, International Trade Compliance - Centre of Excellence

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 20 April 2026
LOCATION
Remote
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
CATEGORY
Legal
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

International Trade Compliance Export controls Customs classification Sanctions & denied party screening Export licensing EU trade regulations UK trade regulations Global trade management systems

FULL DESCRIPTION

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.

Key Responsibilities:

  • 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
Sign up free — access 45,000+ UK sponsor-licensed jobs