Director, Ethics & Compliance
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Ethics & Compliance based in Germany.
Join a leading international organization in a high-impact leadership role where you will define and drive the ethics and compliance strategy across multiple European markets. You will act as a trusted advisor to senior executives, shaping a culture of integrity, accountability, and responsible business conduct across a complex, multinational environment. This role combines strategic influence with hands-on governance oversight, ensuring compliance frameworks are both robust and practical. You will work closely with legal, HR, internal audit, and business leadership teams to manage regulatory risk while enabling sustainable business growth. With significant visibility across regional and global stakeholders, this position offers the opportunity to directly influence decision-making at the highest levels. The environment is dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven, with a strong focus on ethical leadership and long-term impact.
Accountabilities
- Lead and continuously develop the regional Ethics & Compliance strategy across Europe, ensuring alignment with global standards and local regulatory requirements.
- Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership, providing guidance on compliance risks, governance, regulatory developments, and internal investigations.
- Strengthen and embed a culture of ethics and accountability across the organization through training, communication, and leadership engagement.
- Oversee compliance monitoring activities, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies to ensure effective control frameworks.
- Manage and support internal investigations, ensuring appropriate escalation, documentation, and resolution of compliance issues.
- Collaborate closely with Legal, HR, Internal Audit, and business units to integrate compliance considerations into operational decision-making.
- Build strong stakeholder relationships and influence senior-level decision-making across European and global leadership structures.
- Ensure consistent application of corporate governance principles while adapting to evolving regulatory environments.
- Significant experience leading Ethics & Compliance programs within a multinational or complex international organization.
- Strong expertise in European regulatory frameworks, corporate governance, and compliance risk management.
- Proven ability to influence and advise senior executives and navigate highly complex organizational environments.
- Experience managing internal investigations, compliance monitoring programs, and risk assessment frameworks.
- Strong leadership skills with a collaborative, credible, and trusted advisory approach.
- Ability to balance regulatory obligations with commercial priorities and business enablement.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to present complex topics clearly at executive level.
- Strong analytical judgment and decision-making capabilities in high-stakes or sensitive situations.
- Experience working in cross-functional environments involving Legal, HR, Audit, and senior business leadership.
- Competitive compensation aligned with senior leadership responsibilities.
- Comprehensive benefits package tailored to local country requirements.
- Strong focus on career development, leadership training, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Global mobility and exposure within a large international organization.
- Inclusive and diverse working environment that values different perspectives and ethical leadership.
- Employee well-being support programs covering mental, physical, and financial health.
- Opportunities to participate in global communities, initiatives, and volunteering programs.
- Hybrid or remote flexibility depending on location within Europe.