At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global trade compliance strategy and ensure adherence to international regulations.
- Company: Join Safran, a leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global trade while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in global trade, strong knowledge of regulations, and leadership skills.
Associate Director of Global Trade
Wolverhampton
At Safran, excellence is a journey - and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.
Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world-class centre for the design, manufacture and support of actuation and flight-control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms. With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.
Our UK Actuation business brings together engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing capability and a proud heritage within the aerospace sector. Whether supporting major global programmes or developing the next generation of actuation technologies, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
Your Role
This is a global leadership role, responsible for the development and execution of the organisation's global trade compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to international import/ export regulations, customs requirements, and sanctions programmes.
Partner with senior business leaders to support growth objectives while mitigating trade-related risks across multiple jurisdictions. Drive operational excellence through process standardisation, automation, and duty optimisation initiatives, while providing strategic leadership, guidance, and expertise on evolving global trade regulations.
- Develop and implement the global trade compliance strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
- Act as the interface between Safran Actuation Systems and Safran Group SLT on international trade regulations, sanctions, and compliance risks.
- Lead, coach, and develop a globally dispersed, high-performing team of trade compliance professionals
- Ensure compliance with import/export laws, customs regulations, and trade controls across global operations.
- Lead trade compliance audits, investigations, risk assessments, and corrective action programmes.
- Manage relationships with customs authorities, brokers, and regulatory agencies to support compliant operations.
- Drive standardisation, automation, and continuous improvement of global trade compliance processes.
- Support supply chain efficiency
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Supply Chain, Law, or related field (Master's preferred).
- 10+ years of progressive experience in global trade, customs, or compliance, ideally in a multinational corporation within aerospace or defence sectors
- Strong knowledge of import/export regulations, sanctions, and trade compliance frameworks (e.g., EAR, ITAR, OFAC, EU and UK regulations).
- Proven track record of managing global trade compliance programs and interacting with regulatory authorities.
- Capable of leading a remote team of 20+ highly-capable Trade Compliance professionals across Europe and the US
- Exceptional leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
- Professional certifications (e.g., LCB, CCS, or equivalent) are a plus.
At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.
We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.
Associate Director of Global Trade in Wolverhampton employer: Goodrich Actuation Systems
At Safran Actuation Systems UK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Wolverhampton that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a culture that values engineering excellence, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the defence sector. Join us to be part of a team that not only drives technological advancements but also prioritises safety and cost efficiency in every project.
Contact Details:
Goodrich Actuation Systems Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Global Trade in Wolverhampton
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Global Trade in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Goodrich Actuation Systems, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Goodrich Actuation Systems, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Goodrich Actuation Systems
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Goodrich Actuation Systems.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Goodrich Actuation Systems. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Goodrich Actuation Systems love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
