Job Summary
The Global Trade Compliance Officer is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously enhancing Werfen’s worldwide trade compliance strategy. This includes overseeing all aspects of Export Controls Management, Sanctions Enforcement, License Handling, Screening Programs, Transactional Risk Reviews, Third-Party Vetting, Policy Framework, Employee Training, Voluntary Disclosures, and Global Harmonization. This role is based at Werfen’s global headquarters in Barcelona, Spain, and involves close collaboration with all Werfen subsidiaries and Technology Centers worldwide. The officer will work cross-functionally with global legal, compliance, supply chain, commercial, and IT teams to ensure the effective alignment of trade compliance across the business. Regular reporting to senior leadership is a core part of the role, with a focus on identifying global risks and driving strategic solutions. The position reports directly to the Chief Compliance Officer.
Key Accountabilities
- Export Controls Management: Lead and oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of controls that ensure compliance with international export control laws (e.g., EAR, ITAR, EU Dual-Use Regulation, UK Export Control Order).
- Sanctions Enforcement: Ensure enterprise-wide compliance with global sanctions regimes (e.g., OFAC, EU, UK, UN), including real-time transaction screening and escalation protocols.
- License Handling: Oversee the end-to-end process for obtaining, renewing, and managing export and import licenses globally, ensuring alignment with operational needs and legal requirements.
- Screening Programs: Develop and manage automated and manual screening processes for customers, vendors, and transactions against denied party lists, embargoed countries, and restricted end-use / end-user categories.
- Transactional Risk Reviews: Conduct risk-based reviews of high-risk international transactions, contracts, and supply chain activities to identify and mitigate trade compliance exposure.
- Third-Party Vetting: Maintain and enhance a global due diligence program for distributors, agents, freight forwarders, and other third parties, ensuring compliance with trade and anti-corruption laws.
- Policy Framework: Establish and maintain a global trade compliance policy architecture, aligned with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- Employee Training: Design and deliver global training programs on trade compliance topics tailored to roles, regions, and risk levels; promote a culture of compliance through engagement and awareness initiatives.
- Voluntary Disclosures: Manage global self-disclosure processes to government authorities in coordination with internal and external counsel, ensuring full documentation and remediation.
- Global Harmonization: Lead initiatives to standardize trade compliance procedures, tools, and reporting across all Werfen regions, supporting operational efficiency and regulatory consistency.
- Monitoring: Establish and oversee a global trade compliance monitoring program, leveraging data analytics to detect gaps, monitor trends, and guide continuous improvement.
- Investigations: Conduct and manage investigations related to potential trade compliance violations, ensuring timely resolution and appropriate corrective actions.
- Regulatory Engagement: Represent Werfen in interactions with customs and export authorities worldwide; monitor regulatory developments and advise internal stakeholders.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Legal, Regulatory, Supply Chain, IT, Internal Audit, and Business Units to align trade compliance with broader corporate objectives.
- Leadership & Oversight: Lead and develop the trade compliance team; set clear objectives, support professional development, and foster high performance.
Networking / Key relationships
- Global Legal, Compliance, Regulatory, and Supply Chain teams
- Werfen subsidiaries and regional leadership teams
- External legal counsel and regulatory authorities
- IT, Internal Audit, HR, Supply Chain, Finance, and Treasury
Minimum Knowledge & Experience required for the position
- University degree in Law, International Trade, Compliance, or a related field
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in global trade compliance, including leadership roles in multinational, matrixed organizations
- In-depth knowledge of international trade regulations (e.g., EAR, ITAR, EU dual-use, OFAC, UK sanctions, UN embargoes)
- Experience in license management, denied party screening, transactional due diligence, and voluntary disclosures
- Familiarity with healthcare, life sciences, or med-tech industry regulations is preferred
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional and cross-cultural teams
- Full professional proficiency in English; proficiency in Spanish, French, Mandarin, or other languages is highly valued
Skills & Capabilities
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strong attention to detail, deadlines, and quality
- Decisive and composed under pressure
- Proactive, pragmatic, and solution-oriented mindset
- High emotional intelligence and cross-cultural communication skills
- Agile and adaptable in dynamic environments
- Strong critical thinking and strategic planning abilities
- Collaborative leadership style
- Effective facilitator and conflict resolver
- Highly organized with resource and efficiency optimization skills
- Demonstrated business acumen and organizational understanding
- Ability to build positive relationships across organizational levels
- Unwavering integrity and ethical conduct
Travel requirements : Up to 30% domestic and international travel when required.
People Manager Core Competencies
- Building Talent
- Customer Focus
- Decision Making
- Driving for Results
- Driving Innovation
- Emotional Intelligence
People Manager Accountabilities
- Maintaining regular and transparent communication with the team
- Managing performance issues and conflicts proactively
- Ensuring team compliance with training and task fulfillment
- Onboarding new employees and developing existing team members