Director of Compliance EMEA (m/f/d) - Larson Maddox

About the Role

Our client is a globally operating e-commerce and technology-led organisation seeking an experienced Director of Compliance to lead and enhance its European compliance framework. This is a senior leadership position responsible for ensuring the business maintains effective compliance controls across multiple jurisdictions while supporting continued growth and regulatory change.
Reporting directly to senior executive leadership, the successful candidate will oversee the regional compliance programme and act as the principal compliance adviser to key business stakeholders. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution and leadership of a growing compliance function.
The position focuses on developing and strengthening compliance governance across areas including anti-bribery and corruption, sanctions, trade compliance, anti-money laundering, data privacy, marketplace regulation, investigations, and regulatory engagement.


Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the regional compliance programme across multiple European jurisdictions.
• Design, implement, and maintain compliance policies, procedures, and controls.
• Oversee compliance frameworks covering anti-bribery and corruption, sanctions, AML, trade compliance, and data privacy.
• Establish and enhance controls supporting both direct retail operations and third-party marketplace activities.
• Manage regulatory obligations relating to platform governance, seller due diligence, product compliance, and marketplace oversight.
• Conduct and lead enterprise-wide compliance risk assessments and monitor emerging regulatory developments.
• Provide practical regulatory guidance to business leaders and operational teams.
• Lead internal compliance investigations and oversee whistleblowing processes and case management.
• Prepare and present compliance reporting, risk updates, and programme effectiveness assessments to senior leadership.
• Build, manage, and develop a team of compliance professionals.
• Partner with legal, risk, operations, technology, and commercial stakeholders to strengthen compliance culture and governance.
• Serve as a key point of contact for regulatory matters and external compliance-related engagements.

About You

• Significant compliance experience gained within a multinational organisation.
• Background in e-commerce, technology, retail, marketplace platforms, or similarly regulated industries.
• Proven experience managing and developing compliance teams.
• Strong knowledge of anti-bribery and corruption regulations and compliance frameworks.
• Working knowledge of sanctions, trade compliance, anti-money laundering, and financial crime controls.
• Strong understanding of data privacy requirements, including GDPR and related regulations.
• Experience supporting both first-party retail models and third-party marketplace environments.
• Knowledge of digital platform regulation, including the Digital Services Act and related frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience conducting compliance risk assessments and investigations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior executives.
• Experience operating across multiple jurisdictions and adapting compliance programmes to differing regulatory environments.
• Professional compliance certification such as ICA or CAMS is advantageous.
• Experience within international organisations with global headquarters structures is beneficial.
• Additional language capabilities, including Mandarin, would be advantageous.

Who This Role Would Suit

This opportunity would particularly suit senior compliance professionals currently working within Corporate Compliance, Financial Crime Compliance, Regulatory Compliance, E-Commerce Compliance, Platform Governance, Ethics & Compliance, or Risk & Compliance leadership roles who are seeking broader regional ownership, strategic influence, and direct exposure to senior executive stakeholders.