Director, Ethics & Compliance

Role overview

This is a senior ethics and compliance leadership opportunity for a candidate based in Germany. You will partner with a global organization that needs a strategic leader to shape and steer its ethics and compliance agenda across several European markets.

In this position, you will act as a dependable advisor to senior executives, helping build a workplace culture centered on integrity, accountability, and responsible decision-making. The role blends strategic leadership with practical governance oversight, so compliance systems remain effective, scalable, and grounded in day-to-day business needs.

You will work across Legal, HR, Internal Audit, and business leadership to manage regulatory exposure while supporting sustainable growth. Because the role has broad visibility with regional and global stakeholders, it offers a chance to influence decisions at the highest level. The environment is collaborative, purpose-led, and focused on ethical leadership with lasting impact.

Key accountabilities

• Own and evolve the regional Ethics & Compliance strategy for Europe, making sure it fits both global expectations and local legal requirements.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on compliance exposure, governance matters, regulatory changes, and internal investigations.
• Help strengthen an organization-wide culture of ethics and accountability through training, communication, and engagement with leadership.
• Lead monitoring, risk reviews, and mitigation plans so compliance controls remain effective.
• Oversee internal investigations, including proper escalation, recordkeeping, and issue resolution.
• Work closely with Legal, HR, Internal Audit, and operating teams to bring compliance into business decisions.
• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and shape senior-level decisions across European and global leadership groups.
• Apply corporate governance principles consistently while adjusting to changing regulatory conditions.

Candidate profile

• Extensive background leading Ethics & Compliance programs in multinational or otherwise highly complex international organizations.
• Deep knowledge of European regulations, corporate governance, and compliance risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to advise and influence senior executives in demanding, high-complexity settings.
• Hands-on experience with internal investigations, compliance monitoring, and risk assessment frameworks.
• Strong leadership style with a collaborative and credible advisory approach.
• Ability to manage regulatory responsibilities while still supporting commercial goals and business operations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to explain complex topics clearly to executive audiences.
• Sound analytical judgment and decision-making skills for sensitive or high-stakes situations.
• Background working with Legal, HR, Audit, and senior business leaders in cross-functional environments.

Compensation and benefits

• Competitive senior-level compensation.
• A benefits package aligned to local country requirements.
• Strong emphasis on leadership development, career growth, and ongoing learning.
• International mobility and exposure within a large global organization.
• An inclusive and diverse workplace that values varied perspectives and ethical leadership.
• Support programs for mental, physical, and financial well-being.
• Access to global communities, initiatives, and volunteering opportunities.
• Flexible hybrid or remote working options depending on your location in Europe.

Application and data handling

Applications for this position are handled by a partner company, which also manages the subsequent hiring stages. Candidate data may be processed to assess suitability for the role and shared with the hiring employer as part of the recruitment process.

The recruitment workflow may include AI-assisted screening to help review applications, compare qualifications, and flag potential inconsistencies, but human decision-making remains central and final hiring choices are made by people.

By applying, candidates acknowledge that their personal data may be used for recruitment purposes in line with applicable data protection laws, including GDPR, and that rights such as access, correction, deletion, and objection remain available.