Head of Ethics and Investigations

Level: Director

Client: Multinational Corporate

Location: Hong Kong/Shanghai, with occasional travel to other key business locations.

Reporting To: Group Chief Compliance Officer

About the Organisation:

The organisation is a fast-growing, multi-format, pan-European discount variety retailer. Established in 2015, our group comprises two independent value retailers, and operates in some of Europe’s largest economies, serving 50 million shoppers each month across 4,000+ stores in 19 countries.

The organisation’s vertically integrated sourcing operation has offices strategically located across South and East Asia, enabling us to source globally for our customers.

Job Summary:

The organisation are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head of Ethics and Investigations to lead their efforts in fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and compliance. Reporting to the Group Chief Compliance Officer, you will play a critical role in supporting the organisation’s whistleblowing program, leading investigations into reports received, and acting as the dedicated business partner for the organisation, ensuring alignment between group-level policies and operational practices.

This is a high-impact role that requires cross-functional collaboration, a proactive approach to risk management, and the ability to deliver compliance solutions tailored to a fast-paced, multinational business.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Whistleblowing;

    • Globally lead the whistleblowing programme. Investigate and resolve reports received through Safecall, ensuring thorough, impartial, and culturally sensitive handling of issues across multiple jurisdictions. Ensuring it is a trusted channel for reporting ethical concerns.

    • Develop and implement processes for tracking, reporting, and learning from whistleblowing cases to improve ethical standards.

  • Investigations;

    • Lead complex investigations related to ethical breaches, and other compliance concerns, arising from PGS operations.

    • Partner with legal, HR, and other stakeholders to ensure that investigations are conducted in line with local laws, cultural norms, and internal policies.

    • Gaining a deep understanding of the investigation, business line and discussions directly with the key stakeholders or taking direction from a senior member of the global compliance team.

    • Examine and interpret the information obtained to produce in-depth and detail-orientated analyses, identifying further research that needs to be carried out and which leads need to be investigated to support case development.

  • Leadership;

    • Drive compliance initiatives across the group, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements.

    • Actively engage with key stakeholders to build awareness of compliance priorities and integrate risk management into operational decision-making.

    • Continuously improve the group's compliance landscape by identifying emerging risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

  • Experience and Expertise;

    • Proven track record in conducting and managing complex investigations within multinational organisations.

    • Experience managing whistleblowing mechanisms, with a deep understanding of best practices and regulatory requirements.

    • Familiarity with compliance issues in global sourcing and procurement, particularly within the Asian market.

    • 8-10 years’ experience in a corporate, consulting firm, or from an investigative/research intensive organisation.

    • Proven ability to perform all methods of research, including desktop research and analysis from primary and secondary sources.

Skills and Attributes: 

  • Strong relationship-building skills to serve as a trusted advisor and effective business partner.

  • Ability to approach compliance practically, offering constructive solutions tailored to the business’s needs.

  • Excellent communication skills to influence stakeholders and drive cultural change across diverse teams.

  • Organisational skills to manage multiple priorities, deliverables, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

  • Excellent report writing, analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Strong understanding and developed interest in Asian politics and current affairs

  • Commercial experience preferably gained from a research-related field

  • Fluent in written and spoken English & Mandarin

  • Ability to communicate with a high level of fluency and clarity in both writing and speech

Additional Requirements:

  • Willingness to travel internationally, including visits to other operational locations.

  • High-level proficiency in cultural sensitivity, with the ability to navigate and adapt to diverse cultural contexts.


This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the organisation’s compliance and ethical culture while gaining broad exposure to a dynamic, multinational retail environment