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.