Trade Compliance Legal Counsel

Destinus; Hengelo; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Destinus is seeking a Trade Compliance Officer in the Netherlands to design, implement, and oversee a global compliance framework for an international tech company operating at the intersection of defence and cutting-edge aerospace engineering.

You will serve as the internal advisor on regulatory requirements, governance, and export controls, interfacing with the Dutch Head of Legal and other senior stakeholders, and supporting expansion efforts while upholding the highest standards of integrity.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of relevant experience in compliance, regulatory, or legal roles.
• Strong knowledge of Dutch and European regulatory and trade compliance frameworks, including export control.
• Experience in a fast-growing, international technology company, startup, or scale-up environment preferred.
• Proven ability to design and implement effective compliance programs.
• Understanding of export control measures and processes for controlled technology in the aerospace sector, incl. ability to analyze technical components, artefacts, and final products regarding trade compliance aspects and to implement appropriate measures.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior leadership level.
• Commercial, pragmatic mindset with sound judgment and risk awareness.
• Proactive, hands-on, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Fluent in English and Dutch.

Responsibilities

• Serve as internal point of contact for trade compliance questions (on a strategic, operational, and technical level).
• Serve as prime point of contact in dealings with the Dutch regulatory authorities.
• Design, implement, and continuously enhance the company’s global compliance framework, policies, and procedures.
• Lead and oversee compliance activities in The Netherlands and support international operations with the primary focus on trade compliance area.
• Advise senior leadership and key stakeholders on regulatory requirements, compliance risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Establish and maintain effective compliance monitoring, reporting, and internal controls.
• Support strategic initiatives, including fundraising, international expansion, and capital markets readiness, from a compliance perspective.
• Promote a strong culture of ethics, integrity, and compliance throughout the organization.

Job description

About The Role

Imagine stepping into a role where compliance is not just about rules, but about enabling innovation in one of the most advanced aerospace environments in Europe. As a Trade Compliance Officer at Destinus, you will help build and scale a global compliance framework for a rapidly growing international tech company operating at the intersection of defence and cutting-edge engineering. The Trade Compliance Officer will report to Group Director Compliance and to the Dutch Head of Legal Corporate and work closely other senior stakeholders across the organization. This is a unique opportunity to design, implement, and oversee compliance systems that support strategic expansion while safeguarding the highest standards of integrity and regulatory excellence.

At Destinus, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as internal point of contact for trade compliance questions (on a strategic, operational, and technical level).
• Serve as prime point of contact in dealings with the Dutch regulatory authorities.
• Design, implement, and continuously enhance the company’s global compliance framework, policies, and procedures.
• Lead and oversee compliance activities in The Netherlands and support international operations with the primary focus on trade compliance area.
• Advise senior leadership and key stakeholders on regulatory requirements, compliance risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Establish and maintain effective compliance monitoring, reporting, and internal controls.
• Support strategic initiatives, including fundraising, international expansion, and capital markets readiness, from a compliance perspective.
• Promote a strong culture of ethics, integrity, and compliance throughout the organization.

What You’ll Need

• 5-10 years of relevant experience in compliance, regulatory, or legal roles.
• Strong knowledge of Dutch and European regulatory and trade compliance frameworks, including export control.
• Experience in a fast-growing, international technology company, startup, or scale-up environment preferred.
• Proven ability to design and implement effective compliance programs.
• Understanding of export control measures and processes for controlled technology in the aerospace sector, incl. ability to analyze technical components, artefacts, and final products regarding trade compliance aspects and to implement appropriate measures.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior leadership level.
• Commercial, pragmatic mindset with sound judgment and risk awareness.
• Proactive, hands-on, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Fluent in English and Dutch.

Who You Are

You are a strategic and entrepreneurial compliance professional who enjoys building structures in fast growing and complex international environments. You combine strong regulatory knowledge with a pragmatic mindset and know how to translate compliance requirements into practical solutions that support business growth rather than slow it down.

Security screening is an integral component of the selection process, ensuring that candidates meet the organization's security standards and safeguarding against potential risks.

Providing a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is a standard part of the application process at Destinus.