Head of Illicit Trade Prevention

CMS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in the industry is seeking a Head of Illicit Trade Prevention to protect brands from illicit trade and drive investigations. This role demands a strong background in brand protection and law enforcement, excellent communication skills, and the ability to engage with authorities. Candidates must demonstrate project management skills and a commitment to ethical standards. Join to make a significant impact against illicit channels in a reputable organization.

Qualifications

• Very strong background in brand protection, investigations and/or law enforcement.
• Ability to develop and execute effective anti-illicit trade programs.
• Fluent in English and local languages.

Responsibilities

• Execute ITP strategies to address key illicit trade issues.
• Manage investigative consultants and projects.
• Coordinate ITP related activities with various departments.

Skills

Brand protection

Investigations

Law enforcement engagement

Communication skills

Project management

Job description

Job Details

Head of Illicit Trade Prevention (ITP) – based either Czech Republic or Slovakia, Excellent package with bonus and benefits

The Role

Join this global leader in their industry to safeguard the Company from legal and reputational risks by ensuring that genuine products are not diverted into illicit channels, protect the value of brands against counterfeiting, support the market in defending against lost revenue due to illicit trade, and contribute to positioning the Company as a credible partner for law enforcement and government authorities.

Key responsibilities

• Rollout and execution : In alignment with the local management business priorities and ITP global and regional objectives, execute ITP strategies to address key illicit trade issues with a focus on defending business and protecting the integrity of products.
• Investigations and Enforcement : Manage investigative consultants and projects, generate information on illicit activities and criminal networks involved in illegal manufacturing and / or distribution. Build compelling evidence and intelligence packages for enforcement and policy engagement to deliver on objectives and KPIs.
• Crafting, designing and executing investigation & enforcement strategies and action plans, ensuring they are conducted in compliance with ITP’s Private Investigations Functional Standards.
• Coordination and Activation : Coordinate all ITP related activities and activate the relevant central ITP Centers of Expertise including ITP’s Forensics, Supply chain Integrity, Trade Practices, Research, anti-illicit trade (inc. Tracking & Tracking) policy crafting and regulatory engagement, advocacy and communications, etc. to ensure the adequate response to issues and optimal support to the management team, as well as other departments including External Affairs (EA) / Corporate Affairs (CA), L&C and the business.
• Public-Private Partnerships : Engage with national (and where relevant international) law enforcement organisations, NGOs and IGOs, ( intergovernmental organisations) and provide support by conducting capability building activities and position as a credible partner for law enforcement, government authorities and society in the fight against illicit trade.
• Policy & regulations : Promote regulatory frameworks enhancing enforcement and deterrence against illicit trade perpetrators, and support broader, adjacent External Affairs (EA) regulatory objectives (, fiscal, regulatory, COP / MOP campaigns with ITP policy positions, ITP data-substantiated narratives and credible ITP stakeholders.

The Person

• Very strong background in brand protection, investigations and / or law enforcement.
• Deep understanding of various types of illegal trade and (financial) crimes. A strong background in brand protection, and / or investigations and enforcement and engagement with authorities, including law enforcement, is critical for the role.
• Knowledge of the pharmaceuticals, tobacco and nicotine industry, operations and logistics is preferred
• The ability to develop and execute effective anti-illicit trade programs, including risk assessment, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, is essential
• Forging and maintaining relations of trust with stakeholders, partners, and external authorities is key to the role.
• Excellent communication skills are necessary to effectively communicate the risks and impacts of illicit trade to different audiences, incl. senior management and external stakeholders
• Strong project management skills to manage sensitive investigative projects are vital for the role
• A strong ethical compass is critical to maintain integrity and ensure compliance with relevant policies and standards while combating illicit trade
• Fluent English (written and oral) and local languages