General Manager, Trade Compliance

Wärtsilä is an innovative technology company and a global leader in the Energy market. For more than 190 years, we've been building what's next, helping our customers and society navigate the transition toward a decarbonized and sustainable future. Every day, Wärtsilians around the world put their hearts and minds into turning our purpose, enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services, into reality.

As our business continues to grow, we're looking for forward-thinking talent who want to make an impact while building a long-term future. At Wärtsilä, you can build a career, not just a role, with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to work that matters. Join a company with a strong foundation, an exciting future, and a career path built to last. Want to join the ride?

We are seeking a General Manager, Trade Compliance to help ensure that our business operates in accordance with all applicable trade compliance regulations. The preferred location for this role is Helsinki, Finland, although other Wärtsilä locations in Europe may be considered. We offer a hybrid working model.

Your Role and Responsibilities

As General Manager, Trade Compliance, you will provide practical, commercially focused advice to your designated business area(s) across a broad range of trade compliance matters, with particular emphasis on export controls and economic sanctions. You will also take ownership of related operational work. The role sits within the Global Trade Compliance function, part of Group Compliance.

Your key responsibilities will include

• Act as the principal trade compliance adviser to your designated business area(s).
• Provide practical, commercially focused and solution-oriented advice and insights on trade compliance, including export controls and economic sanctions.
• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders, internal functions-including Legal, HR, Internal Audit, Public Relations, IT and Cybersecurity-and external advisers.
• Develop and deliver trade compliance training to a range of audiences.
• Support the effective implementation of trade compliance requirements and governance within your designated business area(s).
• Contribute to the continued development of group-wide trade compliance practices, tools and processes.

Requirements

• Substantial trade compliance experience gained within a complex, international business environment, with particular expertise in export controls, including the ITAR and EAR, and economic sanctions.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to anticipate and assess emerging risks and opportunities.
• Proven stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities, combined with strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• A high degree of integrity and personal accountability, with the ability to operate effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrable ability to prioritise effectively and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in additional languages would be an advantage.
• Advanced proficiency in digital tools, including Microsoft Office and AI-enabled applications, together with experience of trade compliance screening platforms.
• A relevant university degree, ideally in law, business or a related discipline.

Why you and us?

At Wärtsilä, we believe in empowerment, ownership and taking responsibility for our work. We support one another's growth, and co-creation is at the heart of our innovation. We have the courage to recognise opportunities and take the initiative. We value authenticity and honesty and believe that people achieve more when they can be themselves. We do not always get everything right the first time, but we learn and grow from our mistakes. We encourage everyone to speak openly and have created an environment in which people feel empowered, safe and supported. You will join a highly engaged team that is passionate about its work and its contribution to building sustainable societies. We are looking for a colleague who shares our enthusiasm for smart technologies and a sustainable future.

Contact and next steps

Please submit your application through our Careers portal. We will keep candidates informed throughout the recruitment process. Interviews may begin before the closing date, so we encourage you to apply promptly. For further information, please contact Krzysztof Fryza, Talent Acquisition Partner through [email protected] with any questions related to this position (only for questions from direct job applicants, applications through email will not be recorded or responded to).

Join us in shaping the decarbonisation of the marine and energy industries.

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.

Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.