Head of Trade Compliance (gn)

Head of Trade Compliance (gn)

As Head of Trade Compliance, you will have overall responsibility for the Trade Compliance Management System (TCMS) of the Rieter Group. You will play a key role in further development, implementation, enforcement, and monitoring of policies, processes, and control mechanisms relating to trade compliance, export controls, and sanctions compliance. In this capacity, you will ensure that all Rieter Group companies comply with applicable national and international trade, export control, and sanctions regulations. Through a risk-based and pragmatic approach, you will foster a sustainable culture of compliance and support management and business functions in addressing regulatory requirements and geopolitical challenges. In the future, and subject to your interest, there may also be an opportunity to assume additional responsibilities in other compliance areas alongside your role as Head of Trade Compliance.

Key Responsibilities

•  Lead and further develop the Group-wide Trade Compliance Management System (TCMS): Assume responsibility for defining, implementing, monitoring, and continuously improving the group-wide Trade Compliance governance framework, including policies, procedures, controls, and reporting structures.
• Lead the Trade Compliance organization: Manage and further develop the global Trade Compliance organization and oversee the integration of the MMF Division Trade Compliance organization into the Rieter Group Trade Compliance structure. Provide functional leadership and support to the international Trade Compliance network.
• Ensure export control and sanctions compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable national and international export control, foreign trade, and sanctions regulations, particularly those of Switzerland, the European Union, and the United States, including export classification, license management, embargo screening, and sanctions screening activities.
• Risk management and compliance due diligence: Develop, implement, and enhance risk-based review and monitoring processes for business transactions, business partners, markets, and projects. Identify, assess, and mitigate Trade Compliance risks.
• Advise management and business functions: Serve as a trusted advisor to executive management, senior leadership, and business and support functions on all matters relating to trade compliance, export controls, sanctions compliance, and relevant regulatory and geopolitical developments.
• Drive process and digital solution improvements: Optimize and standardize global Trade Compliance processes and lead the implementation and enhancement of supporting IT systems and screening solutions to ensure efficient and effective compliance controls.
• Training and compliance culture: Develop and deliver training programs and promote a sustainable culture of compliance throughout the Rieter Group.
• Collaboration with authorities and external stakeholders: Establish and maintain relationships with relevant government authorities, customs and export control agencies, logistics providers, industry associations, and external legal counsel.
• Monitor regulatory developments: Continuously monitor and analyze global developments in export controls, sanctions, and international trade law, and develop and implement appropriate measures for the Rieter Group.
• Audits, investigations, and reporting: Plan and support internal and external audits, conduct investigations into potential Trade Compliance violations, and regularly report to management on risks, key developments, and significant compliance matters.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Law, Business Administration, International Trade, Logistics, or a related field. Equivalent qualifications combined with relevant professional experience will also be considered.
• Several years of professional experience in Trade Compliance, export controls, international trade law, or a comparable compliance function, preferably within an international industrial or manufacturing company.
• In-depth knowledge of national and international export control, trade, and sanctions regulations, particularly those of Switzerland, the European Union, and the United States (e.g., EAR, ITAR, OFAC).
• Proven experience in developing, implementing, and enhancing Trade Compliance Management Systems, as well as designing effective compliance processes and internal control frameworks.
• Ability to assess complex legal and regulatory matters in a pragmatic, risk-based, and solution-oriented manner.
• Strong advisory skills, with the ability to serve as a trusted business partner to management and functional stakeholders on strategic and operational matters
• Proactive, self-driven, and business-oriented mindset with a hands-on approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in German and English; additional language skills are considered an asset.
• Experience with ERP systems, particularly SAP, and preferably with Trade Compliance and export control solutions such as SAP GTS, AEB, or comparable systems.
• Knowledge of customs regulations, preferential trade agreements, rules of origin, and supply chain compliance is advantageous.

Our Offer

• A highly visible global role with strategic impact.
• An international working environment with long tradition
• Flexible hybrid working model.
• A motivated team with mutual respect and good cooperation
• Attractive development opportunities within a leading industrial company.
• The opportunity to broaden your scope over time and, subject to your interests and qualifications, take on additional responsibilities in other compliance areas.

About us