Import/Export Trade Compliance Specialist — Hybrid

Import/Export Trade Compliance Specialist — Hybrid

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Leonardo UK Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support import/export compliance and coordinate customs instructions in a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join Leonardo UK, a leader in aerospace, defence, and security technologies.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and access to 4,000+ online courses.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in global trade compliance while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Strong attention to detail and a willingness to learn about trade compliance.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Your Impact

At Leonardo UK, we deliver advanced technologies that help keep people and nations safe. Across the UK, our teams design, develop and support a diverse range of innovative aerospace, defence and security solutions — from airborne radar and targeting systems to infrared detectors, camera systems, cyber and physical security technologies, and rotary aircraft used for commercial, public utility and defence applications.

We are currently seeking a Trade Compliance Administrator to join the team at our Edinburgh site. In this role, you will support the Import/Export function by coordinating customs instructions, maintaining accurate records and assisting with reporting and audit preparation. Working closely with internal stakeholders, freight agents and customs brokers, you will help ensure that import and export activities are conducted in line with UK customs requirements and Leonardo procedures.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their knowledge of trade compliance and international logistics within a collaborative team environment at the heart of a global aerospace and defence organisation. This is a Hybrid role based at our Edinburgh site and will require on-site attendance at the Edinburgh site.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Submission of Import and Export customs instructions to agents in accordance with UK customs regulations and company procedures to facilitate customs declarations, including:
    • Liaising with business to ensure correct and accurate clearance instructions can be issued to agent/import broker
    • Instructing freight agent/broker in accordance with business requirements
    • Checking clearance information provided by agent/broker to ensure Leonardo instructions have been followed
    • Checking customs entries following goods departure and address anomalies (with reference to site Trade Compliance lead)
    • Addressing any anomalies identified (with reference to site Trade Compliance lead)
    • Notifying business of import clearance conditions
    • Develop an understanding of the Customs Declaration Service (CDS)
    • Preparation of data packs relating to import and export transactions in readiness for internal and external audits, ensuring packs are recorded on company systems in accordance with company procedures
    • Assisting with the preparation of reports for submission to UK authorities (such as Deferment reports and export licence transparency reports)
    • Assisting with processing and reconciling Freight Forwarder invoices

What you'll bring:

  • Experience supporting multiple stakeholders or customers, with the ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands effectively
  • A self-motivated approach with high personal work standards and strong attention to detail
  • The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, demonstrating supportive and cooperative behaviours
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills, enabling you to work effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word, PowerPoint and Excel
  • A high level of professionalism, with the confidence to interact with senior managers and external organisations
  • The ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity
  • A keen willingness to learn and develop knowledge in import/export processes and trade compliance within Leonardo UK

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

  • Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
  • Secure your Future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
  • Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
  • Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
  • Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Refer a friend: Receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
  • Tailored Perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
  • Flexible working: Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part-time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website. Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger - apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type: Permanent

Hybrid Working: Hybrid

Import/Export Trade Compliance Specialist — Hybrid employer: Leonardo UK Ltd

At Leonardo UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our Edinburgh site provides a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work within the aerospace and defence sector, backed by a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to innovation and global safety.

Leonardo UK Ltd

Contact Details:

Leonardo UK Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Import/Export Trade Compliance Specialist — Hybrid

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and the role. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Import/Export Trade Compliance Specialist — Hybrid

Trade Compliance Knowledge
Customs Regulations Understanding
Attention to Detail
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Microsoft Office Proficiency
Data Preparation for Audits

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in trade compliance and logistics. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!

Show Off Your Attention to Detail:Since this role involves a lot of accuracy with customs instructions and record-keeping, it’s crucial to demonstrate your attention to detail. Use specific examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully managed complex information.

Communicate Clearly:Strong communication skills are key for this position. When writing your application, be clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point while still showing your personality!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo UK Ltd

Know Your Customs Regulations

Familiarise yourself with UK customs regulations and the Customs Declaration Service (CDS). This will not only show your commitment to the role but also help you answer questions confidently about compliance processes during the interview.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills

Prepare examples of how you've effectively managed multiple stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to prioritise tasks and communicate clearly, as these are crucial for coordinating with internal teams and external agents.

Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Be ready to discuss specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was checking clearance information or preparing data packs for audits, showcasing this skill will resonate well with the interviewers.

Express Your Willingness to Learn

Leonardo values a good attitude and a willingness to learn. Be open about your eagerness to develop your knowledge in trade compliance and international logistics, and mention any relevant courses or training you've undertaken.