Head of Practice - Customs & Trade Compliance

Build a practice from the ground up

We are an executive search business specialising in the global logistics market. We're launching a dedicated Customs & Trade Compliance recruitment practice and are looking for a founding Head to build it.

Tariffs, sanctions, origin rules and shifting trade regimes have pushed customs and trade compliance from a back-office function to a boardroom priority. Logistics providers, freight forwarders, 3PLs, brokers and shippers all need senior compliance leaders, and they struggle to find them. This role is your chance to become the go-to name for that talent.

This is a true build opportunity. You will have the autonomy to design the practice, set its strategy and grow it into a global desk. You'll be both a hands-on headhunter and a business builder.

You will:

• Own the strategy, positioning and growth plan for the Customs & Trade Compliance practice
• Win and deliver retained and exclusive senior and executive searches across the global logistics sector
• Build deep relationships with Heads of Customs, Trade Compliance Directors, Chief Compliance Officers, VPs of Global Trade and the leaders who hire them
• Map the market and develop a trusted network of senior candidates and clients worldwide
• Advise clients on talent strategy, market trends, compensation and organisation design within trade compliance
• Establish the practice's brand through thought leadership, events, industry bodies and networking
• Recruit, coach and lead future consultants and researchers as the desk scales
• Work closely with leadership and colleagues across other practices to cross-sell and collaborate

• Proven track record in executive search or senior-level recruitment, with a strong network in customs, trade compliance or international trade within logistics, freight forwarding, supply chain or a closely related sector
• Credibility with senior stakeholders: you can hold your own with a CEO, CFO or Chief Compliance Officer
• A business development mindset, with evidence of winning and growing client relationships
• An entrepreneurial, self-starting approach and comfort building without a playbook
• Deep understanding of the compliance landscape (customs regulation, tariffs, export controls, sanctions, AEO and similar programmes)
• Excellent communication, judgement and discretion
• Experience in the logistics industry as a practitioner or adviser to it
• Prior experience building or leading a desk or practice, and managing a team
• Exposure to specialist verticals such as life sciences, pharma or energy

• Genuine ownership and autonomy to shape a global practice
• Fully remote working from the UK or Europe, with occasional travel to clients and events
• Competitive base salary plus uncapped performance-related earnings
• Clear progression as the practice grows