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.