Head of Compliance (EU based)

At Kpler, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate complex markets with ease. By simplifying global trade information and providing valuable insights, we empower organisations to make informed decisions in commodities, energy, and maritime sectors.

Since our founding in 2014, we have focused on delivering top-tier intelligence through user-friendly platforms. Our team of over 700 experts from 35+ countries works tirelessly to transform intricate data into actionable strategies, ensuring our clients stay ahead in a dynamic market landscape. Join us to leverage cutting-edge innovation for impactful results and experience unparalleled support on your journey to success.

Kpler is looking for a Head of Compliance to design, implement, and scale a robust global compliance framework that supports the company’s rapid growth. This role ensures that all Kpler entities operate ethically, legally, and securely across multiple jurisdictions. The Head of Compliance will lead the global compliance strategy, mitigate risk, and promote a strong culture of integrity, working closely with People, Finance, and cross-functional teams to embed compliance into everyday operations and decision-making. The role also includes leading and managing a team of compliance specialists and paralegals.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Strategy & Leadership

• Develop, implement and oversee the global compliance program across all active and future Kpler entities.
• Build scalable governance structures, policies and controls tailored to multi-country operations.
• Advise executive leadership and the Board on emerging compliance risks and regulatory landscapes.
• Own and oversee global sanctions compliance, export control requirements, screening processes and related regulatory obligations.
• Manage a team of paralegal(s) - compliance specialist(s), ensuring high-quality support for compliance and legal workflows.
• Cross-functional collaboration with other internal stakeholders / teams (Engineering, People, Partnerships, Sales, etc.).

Global Regulatory & Legal Compliance

• Lead oversight of sanctions-screening tools, export controls classifications and end-user/end-use due diligence.
• Ensure corporate compliance across jurisdictions including the US (Houston, New York), Canada, the UK, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Greece, Cyprus, Brazil, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the UAE (Dubai).
• Maintain compliance with local and international data protection laws (GDPR, CCPA, EU Data Act etc.).
• Oversee adherence to FAR, ESG, DORA, AI, cybersecurity regulations and any other relevant applicable regulations.
• Track regulatory developments globally and adapt compliance programs accordingly.

Risk Management & Internal Controls

• Lead enterprise risk assessments and implement fit-for-purpose risk mitigation plans.
• Design and monitor internal controls across financial, operational, data and security domains.
• Manage incident response, including notifications, investigations, documentation and corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain oversight of Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs) for customers, partners, and suppliers to ensure compliance readiness.

Compliance Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver global compliance training programs in partnership with People team (e.g., code of conduct, data protection, anti-bribery, anti-harassment).
• Drive continuous compliance education to build a culture of integrity across all regions and teams.
• Implement training dashboards to track completion, effectiveness, and recurring needs.
• Oversee compliance training and awareness tools, including the selection, implementation, and ongoing optimisation of systems used to deliver, track, and measure compliance education globally.
• Partner closely with People on compliance onboarding, workforce training, investigations, ethics reporting and policy rollouts.

Operational Compliance Management

• Collaborate with relevant internal stakeholders related to audits (ISO 27001, SOC 2, internal audits) and regulatory inspections across countries.
• Standardise compliance documentation and processes across international entities.
• Enhance efficiency of compliance operations through automation.
• Ensure strong operational oversight of Due Diligence Questionnaires (DDQs), including internal coordination, validation, and timely delivery of responses for customers, vendors, partners, and other third parties.

Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in Law, Business, Governance, Risk & Compliance, or a related field.
• 8–12+ years of progressive experience in compliance and risk management, ideally within SaaS, DaaS, subscription-based businesses, or commodities and trading services.
• Proven experience operating across multiple international jurisdictions in a global, high-growth environment.
• Demonstrated track record of designing, building, or scaling a global compliance program.
• Solid command of risk management framework, corporate structures, global sanctions, export controls, and privacy laws.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity and ESG compliance.
• Experience engaging with global regulators, auditors, and key customers.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and policy-writing skills.

Nice to have

• Certified Sanctions and Export Controls Specialist.
• ESG, sustainability compliance, or global regulatory framework certifications.
• Familiarity with FAR regulations.
• Familiarity with security and assurance frameworks such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2.
• CIPP/E, CIPM, or CIPT (Privacy).

We are a dynamic company dedicated to nurturing connections and innovating solutions to tackle market challenges head-on. If you thrive on customer satisfaction and turning ideas into reality, then you’ve found your ideal destination. Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey with us?

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Our People Pledge

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that women and people of color are less likely than others to apply if they feel like they don’t match 100% of the job requirements. Don’t let the confidence gap stand in your way, we’d love to hear from you! We understand that experience comes in many different forms and are dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team.

Kpler is committed to providing a fair, inclusive and diverse work-environment. We believe that different perspectives lead to better ideas, and better ideas allow us to better understand the needs and interests of our diverse, global community. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives and are an equal opportunity employer.

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