Trade Compliance Officer

Responsible for ensuring adherence to UK, EU and international import/export laws, encompassing regulations such as the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), along with internal corporate policies. Collaborate with relevant functions within the business ensuring early consideration of trade compliance aspects, timely resolution of export licensing issues, and integration of trade compliance plans into project lifecycles.

Attend and support Sales to PM handover meetings to address export control and trade compliance matters. Ensure all relevant documentation is generated and completed in accordance with company, customer and legislative requirements and all imported goods are classified accurately utilising the appropriate Customs Regimes such as IPR, OPR, PCC etc. in the most tax efficient manner while monitoring and reporting the use of Export Licences and preparing appropriate returns.

The position will include the improvement and maintenance of appropriate procedures, to facilitate full compliance and regular monitoring and auditing of transactions and the business to verify compliance. The ability to communicate effectively with personnel at all levels is an essential requirement. The role requires continuous learning. The job holder shall personally manage their self learning and training through various webinars available through HENSOLDT UK’s association with numerous associations and legal firms to ensure they are up to date with the latest trade compliance developments.

The job holder will be the "go to" person for any employee with any trade controls compliance issues or concerns, undertaking periodic and "ad hoc" auditing and review to monitor compliance with internal policies and procedures and regulatory requirements. In the event of issues being identified, the job holder will work with the Head of Legal & Compliance to recommend appropriate measures to address required remediation and actions required to prevent re-occurrence and to work with the operational management to ensure effective implementation.

Work alongside Project Teams and Engineering to establish Commodity List Classification (CLC)/Export Control Ratings and Customs classifications, ensuring compliance with UK Export and customs regulations. Responsible for ensuring that all import and export activities comply with international trade regulations, legislation and company policy. Drive the improvement of and embed internal processes to ensure compliance with trade requirements.

Assist Project Teams and functions in managing Export Control and Trade Compliance aspects of Equipment and Technology, including data management, in alignment with UK and Foreign export authorisations. Conduct training sessions on Export Control and Trade Compliance to equip the business with relevant knowledge. Ensure adherence to UK export licences, HMRC Regulations, and other UK and Foreign export licence conditions. This includes preparing and submitting Export Licence applications and other relevant UK authorisations.

Conduct internal Trade Compliance assessments and prepare reports, including draft Voluntary Disclosures, for approval by the Head of Legal & Compliance. Prepare for, support and conduct internal/external audits related to Export Control and Trade Compliance matters. Interface with regulatory departments, including UK Export Control Organisation; ECJU; BIS; HMRC; MoD; HM Treasury. ECCN identification of goods to be supplied for export/re‑export.

Strong understanding of UK & EU: MoD F680s, Rating Enquiries, Individual and Open Export Licence Applications, SPIRE/LITE administration. Working knowledge of US ITAR & EAR: DDTC Registrations, Commodity Jurisdiction Requests, Licence Applications, Technology Transfer Agreements; OFAC: Sanction regimes and Specially Designated Persons. End‑User Undertakings. Denied Party Screening – full implementation and maintenance, including adjudication on "hits" identified by our installed screening software.

The job holder will prepare and submit licence applications with respect to transactions identified as being particularly complex or sensitive. Maintain up to date knowledge of HENSOLDT UK equipment and provide advice, as necessary, to the Development Team on the trade control implications of component selection and product designs. To work with Operations and Finance staff to ensure that transactions carried out by HENSOLDT UK are compliant with relevant customs and tariff regulations and reporting requirements.

Effective use of the company ERP system to process shipments notified for dispatch to ensure customer orders are delivered on time. Ensure all imports and exports strictly adhere to company procedures and review and update when required. Ascertain correct IFS & HS codes for KH Goods. Any other tasks associated with the above functions.

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in export control/trade compliance, including detailed knowledge of UK Export Licensing and Trade Controls, and familiarity with foreign import/export regulations, particularly EU Member States and US ITAR and EAR.
• Proficient in UK/EU Customs regulations.
• Highest degree of integrity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills to support decision‑making based on sound knowledge of International Trade.
• Presentation skills for delivering effective training.

Experience required for the Role:

• 3 to 5 years of proven experience in trade compliance.
• Good understanding of legal requirements and procedures related to international trade. This includes familiarity with import and export customs procedures, trade regulations (such as TAAs, GCs, DSP‑5, US Commerce Licence, OGELS, OIELs, SIELs, F680), and logistics/shipping practices.
• Previous experience in Defence or related industry.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in law, finance, business management, or a related field is preferred.
• Relevant international trade certifications would be an advantage.

Employee Compliance:

The job holder will be expected to comply with any reasonable operational instruction or procedures relating to Company policies, reporting and controls. Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 provides a duty on every employee, while at work, to take reasonable care for the health and safety of themselves and of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. It also places a duty on employees to cooperate with their employer so far as is necessary to enable their duties to be complied with including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Failure to comply with this duty may result in the Company invoking the disciplinary procedure.

About HENSOLDT UK:

HENSOLDT UK, formerly Kelvin Hughes, is a world leader in the development, manufacture and supply of maritime navigation and surveillance radar systems. HENSOLDT UK employs over 170 employees and are headquartered in Enfield, North London. The company sets the international standard in solid state radar sensor technology with SharpEye and its market leading navigation and tactical.