Head of Sanctions

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Head of Sanctions & Export Controls Screening Operations

Number of direct reports: 10

Job Purpose

Lead and oversee daily screening operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with global sanctions and export control regulations.  This role requires a strategic leader with exceptional operational and project management skills to govern service channels under updated policies and procedures. Additionally, the Head of Screening Operations will manage a team of professionals, necessitating strong leadership & people management skills to foster a high-performing and cohesive team.

Required qualification, experience & skills

• Total Experience: 15 Years

• Advanced data analytics and process mapping capabilities and ability to work strategically while maintaining operational oversight

• Proven experience in leading teams, process implementations, managing and delegating projects.

• Demonstrated leadership and influencing skills, with a collaborative work style that fosters cooperation, teamwork, and effective stakeholder management.

• Ability to break down silos and exercise discretion and good judgment, understanding the broader impact of decisions on the company.

• Exceptional time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Strong capacity to coordinate and communicate with various stakeholders, ensuring timely and successful project delivery.

• Proactive and eager to learn, with the ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Team player with a willingness to grow within a complex organization.

• Open-minded and comfortable working in a diverse, international environment.

• High integrity and personal ethics, with professional communication skills and the ability to handle confidential information and sensitive situations

Required Education/ Business/ Technical Knowledge

• Total Experience:12 to 15 Years

• A Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field such as compliance, risk & project management, is highly desirable

• At least 7 years of experience in sanctions screening operations, with 4 years in a leadership or management role

• Professional certifications such as the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS) or Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) are preferred

• Strong investigative, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities

• Proven ability to manage complex projects and initiative

• Excellent leadership, communication, and people management skills

• Experience with sanctions screening software and tools, as well as data analysis and reporting

• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken, is essential

• High ethical standards and integrity, with a strong commitment to compliance and risk management

• Understand sanctions & export controls and have strong experience interacting with key compliance risk areas (anti-corruption,) and other business stakeholders (legal, finance etc) 

• Have a very good understanding of compliance processes and compliance governance structures

Key responsibilities 

• Drive the implementation and development of Maersk's screening platform (Minerva), ensuring alignment with the roadmap and business needs, including spot checks and implementation of internal controls. 

• Map systems, processes, services, engage with the business to understand the services and the E2E value chain. So, it is not just the sanctions screening, but also ensuring we have the right financial controls in place etc.

• Monitor and analyse screening processes and performance metrics, implementing improvements as necessary.

• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including the SEC Advisory team, to support investigations, enforcement actions, and regulatory updates. Maintain strong cross-functional relationships to ensure alignment and responsiveness

• Develop and maintain updated policies and procedures for all service channels, ensuring they are effectively communicated and adhered to.

• Ensure all tasks and projects are completed on time, maintaining a well-structured repository of documents and overseeing corporate housekeeping

• Lead & develop and implement strategic plans for screening operations to ensure compliance with sanctions and export control regulations

• Guide and develop colleagues, e.g. through showcasing excellent managerial skills and exemplary work ethics, share best practices and experiences 

• Collaborate with stakeholders to align screening operations with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.

• Remain aligned with the Sanctions & Export Controls Advisory team on updates/changes in regulations and industry best practices, updating policies and procedures accordingly

• Provide regular updates and reports to the Head of Sanctions & Export Controls on screening operations and compliance status and liaise with relevant stakeholders, build and maintain long-term working relationships

• Drive overall implementation & development of Minerva's screening platform and ensure the execution of the road map 

• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution and alignment with organizational objectives

Primary internal stakeholders

• The overall Compliance team (Compliance Ops and CNT)

• Legal, GIA, GRC, Tech, GDA, Finance, HR

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

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