Head of Commercial Compliance (UK or Mainland Europe)

Exclusive and Retained:My client is a leading global sourcing and marketing business seeking to employ a commercially minded Global Head of Contracts (May or may not have a legal background but compliance/audit experience is desired). Location: Mainland EuropeKey Requirements:le Title: Head of Commercial ComplianceReporting To: Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)Role Overview:As the Head of Commercial Compliance, you will play a critical role in ensuring adherence to commercial contractual obligations, customer quality management processes, and internal business processes. Reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer, you will be responsible for overseeing compliance, auditing, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) across various functions within the organisation. Your primary goal will be to maintain and enhance our high standards of compliance, thereby supporting the company's operational efficiency and reputation.Key Responsibilities:1. Internal Oversight and Auditing:- Conduct regular internal audit routines to ensure compliance with customer commercial contractual obligations, including adherence to agreed fees, savings, and other KPIs.- Monitor and report on customer quality management process adherence, ensuring all quality standards are consistently met.- Oversee internal business process compliance with key KPIs, including order-to-invoice timeliness and other critical operational metrics.- Manage external 3rd party contract audits, including the gathering, assessment and presentation of audit data to agreed timescales.- This role will manage staff via direct and dotted reporting lines in each region (and centrally in the Philippines) to enable global coverage and maximise the impact of the role.2. Reporting:- Develop and implement robust reporting mechanisms to provide accurate and timely updates on compliance status across the organisation – internal and external KPIs.- Assume responsibility for all Customer KPI and key contractual reporting, working with dedicated Reporting resources in the Far East- Prepare detailed “self-audit” reports for clients as required in the contracts.- Prepare detailed reports for senior management, highlighting areas of non-compliance and recommending corrective actions.- Ensure transparency and accountability through regular communication of compliance performance to relevant stakeholders.3. Process Improvement:- Identify opportunities for process improvement to enhance compliance and operational efficiency.- Collaborate with various departments to implement best practices and standard operating procedures.- Lead initiatives to streamline processes, ensuring multiple supplier bids for purchases and other key procurement practices are followed.4. Training and Development:- Develop and deliver training programmes to educate employees on compliance requirements and best practices.- Foster a culture of compliance and continuous improvement within the organisation.5. Risk Management:- Assess and mitigate compliance risks by implementing robust risk management frameworks.- Work closely with the legal and risk management teams to ensure all regulatory and contractual obligations are met. Qualifications and Experience:- Fluent English speaker – additional languages an advantage.- Degree or equivalent qualification in Business, Law, Finance, or a related field- Experience in a compliance or auditing role, preferably within a commercial or business environment – and specific industry experience would be advantageous.- Strong understanding of commercial contracts, quality management processes, and internal business operations.- Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.- Proven track record of developing and implementing compliance programmes and driving process improvements.- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.- Strong leadership abilities and experience managing a team.Skills and Competencies:- Attention to detail and a meticulous approach to auditing and compliance.- Proficiency in appropriate software and tools – must be excellent on excel and with VBA code know-how.- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.- High ethical standards and integrity.Location – ideally European based.