Trade Compliance Legal Counsel

About the role

Destinus, a Dutch company developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for defence, is looking for a Trade Compliance Officer in Valkenburg. The role reports to the Group Director Compliance and the Dutch Head of Legal Corporate and works closely with senior stakeholders. It is a chance to design, implement and oversee a global compliance framework for a rapidly growing international tech company at the intersection of defence and engineering.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as internal point of contact for trade compliance questions (strategic, operational and technical).
• Act as main contact with Dutch regulatory authorities.
• Design, implement and continuously improve the company's global compliance framework, policies and procedures.
• Lead and oversee compliance activities in the Netherlands and support international operations, focusing on trade compliance.
• Advise senior leadership and key stakeholders on regulatory requirements, compliance risks and mitigation strategies.
• Set up and maintain compliance monitoring, reporting and internal controls.
• Support fundraising, international expansion and capital markets readiness from a compliance perspective.
• Promote a culture of ethics, integrity and compliance.

Required profile

• 5-10 years of relevant experience in compliance, regulatory or legal roles.
• Experience in a fast-growing international technology company, startup or scale-up preferred.
• Proven ability to design and implement effective compliance programs.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, able to influence at senior leadership level.
• Commercial, pragmatic mindset with sound judgment and risk awareness.
• Fluent in English and Dutch.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of Dutch and European regulatory and trade compliance frameworks, including export control.
• Understanding of export control measures for controlled technology in the aerospace sector, including analysis of technical components, artefacts and final products.
• Ability to turn compliance requirements into practical solutions that support business growth.

Security screening and a Certificate of Conduct (VOG) are required.