Head of Compliance

Wärtsilä is an innovative technology company known for being a forerunner in the Marine and Energy markets. Every day, we – Wärtsilians - put our hearts and minds into turning Wärtsilä's purpose of enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality. Our ultimate aim is to provide increased value to both our customers and society. New, game-changing ideas and continuous improvement have been part of our DNA since 1834. Together, we can create new business opportunities and more sustainable future that we can all be proud of. 

We want to transition the world towards a decarbonised and sustainable future. By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we can make it work. We are always on the lookout for future-oriented talent – want to join the ride?

We are now looking for a 

Head of Compliance

To join Wärtsilä Defence Solutions Limited (WDSL) and lead various compliance functions.The position is permanent and the preferred location is in Havant, UK.

What you will be doing

You will be reporting to the Managing Director but also working closely with other stakeholders in the Shaft Line Solutions (SLS) business unit.
This role will be a key contributor to the delivery of the company strategy across all areas of the business. The successful applicant will need to be challenging assumptions and decision making in the business as appropriate and providing guidance on all activities, plans, targets and business drivers related to compliance.
You will need to establish a high level of credibility, creating strong working relationships with internal & external stakeholders.

As the Head of Compliance your work will focus on these responsibilities: 

• you will be a member of the WDSL management team accountable for the following business functions:
  • Quality Assurance
  • Operational Development (including IT & Cyber)
  • Export Control & Trade Compliance
• Lead the management team for the above functions to ensure safety, quality and output of the functions, in line with the business strategy, management expectations, relevant legislation and regulations. Developing and instilling a culture of continuous improvement whilst monitoring of performance, development, training and succession planning.
• Drive the awareness of Cyber & Trade Compliance across the business unit (SLS) as well as owning and/or being a key stakeholder in related initiatives.
• Accountable for the governance of physical site and personnel security.
• Quality Assurance
  • Accountable for the Business Management System in accordance with the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2015.
  • Ensure compliance to relevant standards & regulations (including but not limited to ISO 9001 & 27001).
• Operational Development (IT & Cyber)
  • Ensure compliance to military cyber security standards & regulations (including but not limited to CMMC, NIST, ISO 27001).
  • Safeguard, maintain and improve the availability of facilities, equipment, machinery and systems to maximise productivity of the business from an IT & Cyber perspective.
• Export Control & Trade Compliance
  • Demonstrate & ensure ongoing compliance with the UK government import-export regulations, US EAR & ITAR by leading subject matter experts, engaging corporate teams and external bodies where necessary.

To be successful in this role we expect you to:

• Minimum 5 years of proven leadership experience of a compliance/cyber function in a defence related organisation.
• Be a recognised and respected leader with great ability to build high performing teams based on trust.
• Minimum of a BSc, BA or 10+ years in an aerospace, maritime or defence engineering environment.
• High integrity and openness combined with commitment to good governance.
• An understanding of operational and compliance factors on performance of a defence based manufacturing & project based business.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills make the required interactions easier and more efficient as you will need to effectively engage with stakeholders from all levels within our business including compliance colleagues, management, and executives.
• You are able to work in a complex matrix organisation and are flexible to fit and act in a fast changing organisational environment.
• Fluent in English.
• You have strong analytical thinking capability and excellent communication skills in English both oral and written.
• Be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, achieve results, decisiveness and action orientation. You are independent and show initiative with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ability to handle high levels of pressure and critical decision-making.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn and grow along with the business requirements.
• Energetic, highly motivated, with an enquiring mind and passion for excellence and innovation.

Important note: Please also be aware that that this position with Wärtsilä Defence Solutions Ltd will be subject to security restrictions and the successful candidate must successfully complete a security clearance. This means that factors including your nationality, and previous nationalities you have or have held and/or your place of birth may limit the role you can perform for the business.

Why you and us?  

We at Wärtsilä believe in empowerment, ownership and taking responsibility of our work. We support each other’s growth and co-creation is the true basis of our innovation. We have courage to see opportunities and take initiative.  

We are authentic and honest, and we strongly believe in that by being your own true self you can accomplish so much more. We don’t always get it right the first time, and if mistakes are made, we make sure to learn and grow from them. We want everyone to voice their opinions freely. That is why we have built an environment that empowers you and everyone around you, and where you can feel safe and cared for. Are you eager to be part of this ambition?  

We have an amazing team and we are excited about our work and the impact it has on building sustainable societies. We are looking to find a colleague with this shared passion for smart technologies and a sustainable future.  

Contact & next steps  

We hope to hear from you soon, by submitting your application through our careers portal. We aim to keep you updated on the process throughout.  

For further questions please reach out to Jess Baxter, Talent Acquisition Partner, through email jess.baxter@wartsila.com with any questions related to this position (NO AGENCIES - Only for questions from direct job applicants, applications through email will not be recorded or responded to).  

Welcome to join us in shaping the decarbonisation of marine and energy! 

Last application date: 26/08/2024 

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities. 

This is Wärtsilä 

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 17,800 professionals, in more than 280 locations in 79 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com.