Head of Trade Compliance

Overview

Hours: Full-time 37 hours | Permanent

Location: Hurn, Dorset

The Head of Trade Compliance is responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously improving the organisation’s global trade compliance framework. This role ensures full compliance with applicable import, export, customs, sanctions, embargoes, and trade control regulations, while enabling the business to operate efficiently and competitively across international markets. The role acts as the key subject matter expert and strategic advisor to senior leadership on trade compliance risk, regulatory change, and operational integration.

• Develop and own Draken’s global trade compliance strategy, aligned to business objectives and regulatory requirements
• Establish and maintain trade compliance policies, standards and governance frameworks across all regions
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex or high‑risk trade compliance matters
• Provide insight, reporting and assurance to senior leadership, Audit Committee and Board as required

• Ensure compliance with UK, EU, US and international regulations, including export controls, customs, sanctions and embargo regimes (e.g. UK Export Control Order, EU Dual‑Use, EAR, ITAR, OFSI, OFAC)
• Monitor regulatory changes, assess business impact and implement required actions
• Lead licensing strategies and ensure effective control and utilisation

• Identify, assess and mitigate trade compliance risks across the business
• Lead internal audits, reviews and gap analyses
• Oversee investigations into potential breaches and lead corrective actions
• Act as the primary interface with regulatory authorities during audits or disclosures

• Embed trade compliance into key business processes, including:
• Business development and sales
• Supply chain and logistics
• Engineering, product classification and development
• M&A activity and new market entry
• Provide practical, risk‑based advice to support commercial decision‑making

• Lead, develop and mentor the UK trade compliance team
• Define team structure, resourcing and capability needs
• Design and deliver impactful trade compliance training across the organisation
• Champion a strong culture of compliance, accountability and ethical conduct

• Significant experience (typically 10+ years) in trade compliance, export controls, customs, or international trade, with leadership responsibility
• Demonstrated experience managing trade compliance in a multinational or highly regulated environment
• Strong working knowledge of UK, EU, and US trade regulations; global experience highly advantageous
• Proven ability to design and implement enterprise‑level compliance frameworks
• Experience dealing with regulatory authorities and managing audits or disclosures

• Strategic leadership with strong commercial awareness
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior levels
• Strong analytical and risk‑based decision‑making capability
• Pragmatic, solutions‑oriented mindset with attention to detail
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into clear operational guidance
• High integrity and sound professional judgement

• Degree in Law, International Trade, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• Professional certifications such as UK Export Control qualifications
• Customs or trade compliance certifications (e.g. ACSS, CIPS, ICC)
• Ongoing professional development in international trade regulation

• Effective management and reduction of trade compliance risk
• Positive outcomes from audits and regulatory engagements
• Integration of compliance into business processes without unnecessary disruption
• Capability, engagement, and performance of the trade compliance team
• Strong compliance culture across the organisation