Trade Compliance Officer in Ilminster

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About Us

G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of their acousto‑optic, electro‑optic, crystal‑optic, fibre‑optic, and precision optic products. G&H is preferred by OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace‑defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy‑five years. Our success is built on innovation, precision, and the talent of our people. We are committed to developing capability at every stage of a career, from apprenticeships and graduate pathways through to leadership development.

Job Type: Full‑time Role

This is an ideal development opportunity for someone who has an established understanding of Import and/or Export Controls. You will assist the Trade Compliance function with the development and management of a comprehensive export/import framework to ensure compliance with UK, US and EU regulations. Support the operational processes for assuring trade compliance review and approval relating to export licensing, technical data, foreign travel, foreign visits, re‑exports, retransfers and export and import shipments under UK, EU and US laws. The role reports to the UK Trade Compliance Manager and, working in conjunction with the US counterpart, will encompass the Group trade compliance and security activities.

Work Location: Ilminster, with occasional travel to G&H sites throughout the UK as required.

Mandatory Responsibilities:

• Adherence to all Company policies, management systems and standard operational procedures, including legal responsibilities in relation to Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality.
• Working positively to develop and foster good working relationships with colleagues and contracted personnel in order to maintain a culture of mutual respect and dignity.
• Promote and display the G&H values: Customer focus, Integrity, Action, Unity, Precision.

Responsibilities:

• Gain hands on knowledge of UK export requirements specific to UK Export Licensing of dual‑use & military goods and technology.
• Support the processing of Export shipments in compliance with regulations, HMRC, UK Strategic Export Controls and other foreign export controls.
• Review and process End User declarations, and undertakings.
• Determine export classification and identify license requirements.
• Collaborate with other G&H sites to ensure appropriate export authorisations are in place and that all required documentation is obtained.
• Work with the group senior trade compliance staff to prepare and submit export license applications.
• Maintain accurate records for export transactions in accordance with ITAR, EAR, and other US regulatory requirements.
• Ensure consistent adherence to export procedures across all G&H sites.
• Review and evaluate shipping documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Maintain trade compliance records in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure smooth and compliant trade operations.
• Support new process requirements across the business.
• Support the preparation of reports and audits related to trade compliance activities.
• Maintain compliance with international trade laws and regulations including, but not limited to, HTS classification, ECCN, COO, and FTA requirements.
• Conduct audits, risk assessments, and internal reviews to ensure trade transactions align with applicable regulations.
• Will need to be able to hold and maintain UK Government clearances.

Performance Measures:

• On Time Delivery
• Internal audit schedule adherence

Personal Attributes:

• Self‑driven with the ability to set own priorities and work independently.
• Challenging, but with high level of emotional intelligence.
• Calm under pressure and provide clear concise guidance.
• Strong influencing, communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.

Skills And Abilities:

• A good understanding of import and export processes and procedures.
• Degree level Engineering qualification preferred but not essential.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to identify potential compliance issues.
• Experience managing export licences and/or reviewing export documentation.
• Experience in providing training on UK/EU and US export/import laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of UK, EU and other export/import regulations and UK Strategic Export Control List.
• Previous experience of U.S. Customs regulations and ITAR preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Background within an aerospace manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in the domain of customs/global trade (export, customs and/or trade compliance).
• Demonstrate structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Experienced in the use of Microsoft office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint essential.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Site bonus scheme
• Company pension (6% contribution)
• Health Cash Plan
• £500 referral bonus for successful employee referrals (T&Cs apply)

Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake any and all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager. The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates. Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.