Overview
WELCOME TO SITA At SITA, we keep airports moving, airlines flying smoothly, and borders open. Our technology and communication innovations power the success of the global air travel industry. You will find us in 95% of international airports, working closely with over 2,500 transportation and government clients. Each partnership brings unique challenges, and we thrive on delivering fresh solutions and cutting‑edge tech to keep operations running like clockwork. We don't just move the world forward—we're proud to be recognized as a Great Place to Work® by 79% of our employees and certified in most of our growing locations. Here, we feel empowered, supported, and inspired to grow. Are you ready to love your job? The adventure begins right here, with you, at SITA.
Purpose
SITA Legal At SITA, we are meeting the new needs of travel … today. In an international high‑performing culture, combining IT, Telecommunications, Air Transport and Critical Infrastructure, where people do great things together. We are the leader in travel tech – cloud, software, SaaS and IT infrastructure. We are trusted by our 2,500 air transport customers and governments worldwide for essential IT and networks, and for global air passenger data transit. SITA is one of the world’s smallest multi‑nationals. Our 5,700 people are present across over 120 countries, in which we have more than 350 legal entities. We belong to an industry that is by its nature international, serving the needs of the air transport industry across all four corners of the globe. Our products and services are designed to support more efficient, easier, safer and greener air travel.
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Sanctions & Compliance is a pivotal leadership role. It requires a strategic, globally minded lawyer who acts as a sherpa, guiding the business through complex regulatory landscapes—not merely identifying constraints, but enabling safe, ethical paths to “yes.” This role shapes SITA’s global sanctions, export controls, and compliance posture, ensuring the organisation meets (and anticipates) UK, EU, US and other.
Key Responsibilities
What you will do
This role is responsible for leading the Group’s global sanctions, export controls and business compliance program, ensuring it remains robust, risk‑appropriate, forward‑looking, and fully aligned with international regulatory expectations. The role oversees globally the development, implementation and continuous improvement of frameworks covering Trade Sanctions & Export Controls, Anti‑Bribery & Corruption, Anti Money Laundering, Fraud & Financial Crime and related areas. Depending on the skills and experience of the postholder, this post may include the oversight of SITA’s Ethics Office (focus on ethical leadership and investigations related to personal behaviour). The role encompasses the design of the programs and the execution and implementation within and in collaboration with the entire SITA business.
Main contacts internally: Group General Counsel, CFO, CEO, Internal Audit, Audit & Risk Committee of SITA’s Board, Regional Leadership, Business Unit Heads, Corporate Risk, Enterprise Security, People (HR), Finance. Main contacts externally: UK, EU, US and other relevant Regulators, External Counsel, Industry bodies and trade compliance organisations.
Grade: Director Legal
Location: Europe (Reading, Barcelona, Prague, Brussels, Rotterdam) – hybrid working
Reports to: Group General Counsel
Direct Reports: 3–4 (two in Reading, one in Barcelona, one shared resource in Mumbai)
Committees: Convenes & acts as Secretary of SITA’s Global Trade Board and Validation Board
Prevention
Lead the design, development and enhancement of the global compliance programs in the areas noted.
Maintain a strong, values‑based compliance culture across all geographies.
Ensure policies, controls and procedures are up‑to‑date, well‑communicated, and globally understood.
Provide expert sanctions and export control guidance to business units and leadership (requiring a comprehensive understanding of SITA’s portfolio of products & services and of its ecosystem).
Oversee systematic Code of Conduct compliance.
Develop tools and frameworks that facilitate responsible, risk‑aligned decision‑making.
Manage the Group’s compliance training strategy and curriculum.
Ensure oversight and governance of third‑party due diligence and screening methodologies.
Collaborate with Investor Relations, Corporate Control and others related to reporting and disclosures.
Detection
Identify emerging risks, vulnerabilities and red flags across jurisdictions.
Coordinate with Internal Audit and Risk Management, as well as external advisers, ensuring issues are escalated appropriately.
Support or lead investigations relating to in‑scope areas.
Correction
Monitor the effectiveness of the compliance programs and implement improvements.
Oversee remediation actions and corrective measures where compliance gaps arise.
Provide guidance to prevent recurrence of compliance issues
Qualifications
What you bring
Experience & Qualifications
UK, US, or other recognised legal qualification (required)
Minimum 15+ years professional experience, principally in Trade Sanctions & Export Controls, ABC, AML, Fraud & Financial Crime (mix of private practice + in‑house strongly preferred).
Experience in the air transport / aviation sector is strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience engaging with UK/EU/US regulators.
Leadership experience managing global or cross‑jurisdictional teams.
Strong understanding of multinational operating structures.
Full professional fluency in English; other languages are an asset
Leadership Attributes & Ways of Working
Comfortable with ambiguity; thrives in complex, multi‑jurisdictional environments.
Multicultural mindset with ability to influence across regions, disciplines, and seniorities.
Team‑first leadership style — builds high trust, high integrity environments.
High emotional intelligence and credibility with executives and regulators.
Analytical, conceptual thinker; able to break down complexity into practical guidance.
Clear, confident communicator able to bridge technical, legal, and commercial domains.
Embodies the sherpa mindset: collaborative, empowering, practical, solution‑oriented.
Ethical leadership & integrity.
What We Offer
Work Flexibility: Flexible working arrangements, including the option to work from home up to 2 days a week (depending on team needs).
Employee Wellbeing: Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing practical support and advice for various life matters.
Professional Development: Opportunities to expand your skills through training programs, including Coursera courses, and exposure to diverse legal disciplines.
Flex‑Location: Work remotely from anywhere for up to 30 days a year!
Competitive Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package tailored to the local market.
SITA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We encourage women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and others to apply.
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