Trade Compliance Specialist

Trade Compliance Specialist

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support trade compliance by advising on export controls and customs regulations.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing defence tech company with a mission to eliminate existential threats.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, stock options, private medical, dental, and a cycle to work scheme.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace; we encourage all to apply!
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace and defence while ensuring compliance with international laws.
  • Qualifications: Knowledge of UK customs and export licensing; strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

The Trade Compliance Specialist will work within its Trade Compliance Function to support all aspects of Trade Compliance such as Export Controls, Customs Controls and sanctions embargos as they relate to Cambridge Aerospace’s business operations in the UK and overseas. As the Trade Compliance Specialist, you will provide business support including advice and guidance to all functions to ensure our business remains compliant with UK and international trade control laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

  • Provide advice and guidance to internal stakeholders on ECJU, HMRC issues, UK import/export processes to ensure understanding of and compliance with internal and external standards.
  • Interface with the logistics, agents/freight forwarders and other functions across the site to provide guidance, respond to general queries and ensure the company operates as required.
  • Support and attend external audits, maintain accurate records (including Export Licence and Portable Device approval) for audit readiness.
  • Attend internal meetings across UK sites to stay informed and share updates with the wider International Trade team.
  • Prepare reports and make recommendations to drive continuous process improvements.

Requirements

  • Understanding of HMRC (Customs) including Tariff Coding, UK Strategic Control regulations (including Control List Classifications (CLCs)) to be able to validate CLCs on site products using an externally provided tool.
  • Operational experience and working knowledge of UK Export Licensing applications such as LITE and SPIRE as well as utilise OGELS/OIELS and SIELS.
  • Ability to learn, develop and excel whilst remaining up to date with external changes and regulations.
  • Confidence to challenge and scrutinise requirements to ensure full compliance.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly in meetings or audits, using data to support decisions, while staying calm and focused under pressure.

Preferred

  • Operational experience of working within US ITAR and EAR export control regulations.
  • Understanding of TAAs, MLAs, WDAs.
  • Experience with US Export Licensing Applications such as DECCS and SNAPR.
  • Understanding of SAP systems such as SAP GTS.
  • Good understanding of trade compliance considerations such as foreign licensing for international support programmes within the aerospace, defence and security sector.
  • Understanding of special customs procedure codes such as Customs Warehouse, Inward and Outward Processing regimes and commercial business processes such as RFI/RFQ and bid activity.

What We Offer

  • Competitive compensation and stock options.
  • Private Medical & Dental.
  • Cycle to work scheme.

About Us

The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air – low-cost drones and cruise missiles now manufactured in colossal volumes by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending the world as we know it, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade every existing defence. We’re building low-cost interceptors that defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them – at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains that assure delivery. We have immense backing from the world’s best venture funds. We’re one of the fastest growing defence technology companies in history. And we’re hiring the best engineers to prosecute the mission. If you are in the top 1%, willing to work harder than you ever have, build technology better than anyone else, and contribute to the defining challenge of our time, now is the time to join us.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

Trade Compliance Specialist employer: Cambridge Aerospace

Cambridge Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets purpose. As a Trade Compliance Specialist, you will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to enhancing global security, with opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly expanding sector. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive compensation, private medical and dental benefits, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion.

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Contact Details:

Cambridge Aerospace Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Trade Compliance Specialist

Join Compliance Communities

Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.

Leverage Your University Career Services

If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.

Showcase Your Knowledge Online

Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Cambridge Aerospace looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.

We think you need these skills to ace Trade Compliance Specialist

Export Controls
Customs Controls
Sanctions Embargos
ECJU Knowledge
HMRC Understanding
UK Import/Export Processes
UK Export Licensing Applications

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!

Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Cambridge Aerospace. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Aerospace

Master the Regulations

Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!

Show Your Analytical Skills

Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!

Know Your Tools

Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!

Align with Company Culture

Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Cambridge Aerospace’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!