Export Compliance Lead in Somerset

Leonardo UK Ltd is looking for a proactive and knowledgeable Export Compliance Manager to join our high‑performing Trade Compliance Function. In this pivotal role, you’ll help manage all aspects of UK Export Control and Compliance, while also navigating international regulations — including US export controls — which impact our operations across the UK. This is your chance to contribute to meaningful, cutting‑edge projects while ensuring our business stays aligned with global trade and regulatory standards. If you're looking for a role that combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and real‑world impact — we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Provide a business support service including advice and guidance to Leonardo UK’s Helicopters Division and functions to ensure the Line of business (LoB) remains compliant with UK and other relevant trade control laws and regulations.
• Reporting to the Head of Export Compliance – Helicopters Division you will work closely with Project teams within the LoB and related functions to provide support, including advice and guidance, on International Trade Compliance matters in order to ensure the LoB’s compliance with UK, EU, US and other Export Control laws and regulations.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on UK and foreign trade compliance regulations — including US ITAR and EAR — to individuals and managers at all levels within the Helicopters Division.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable import/export laws, as well as Leonardo’s internal corporate policies and procedures.
• Partner with business teams to support Business Winning activities, ensuring trade compliance is considered from the earliest stages.
• Attend Business Winning and Contract Acceptance Reviews to flag and address export control issues proactively.
• Collaborate with Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) to ensure proper control list classifications (CLCs) / export control ratings, correct customs classifications (commodity codes) for all relevant items, guide IPTs in creating and maintaining material and technology control plans across the project lifecycle covering equipment, software and technology.
• Design and deliver training sessions to ensure teams and functions are equipped with the knowledge they need to stay compliant.
• Lead and manage the site Export Control team, ensuring full adherence to UK export licences, foreign export licence conditions (e.g. US/German licensing), support the preparation and submitting of export licence applications and MOD F680s.
• Support internal Trade Compliance assessments, contribute to the preparation of reports, including voluntary disclosures.
• Support and prepare for internal and external audits related to Export Control.
• Work with the Customs Compliance leads regarding customs special procedures and commodity code classification.

Qualifications

• Detailed knowledge of UK Export Licensing, including Trade Controls.
• Strong understanding of import/export regulations.
• Practical experience with US ITAR and US EAR, including handling of ITAR agreements, general correspondence, and retransfer requests.
• Solid working knowledge of UK Customs regulations and their application in a global business environment.
• Some national travel and possibly international travel.
• 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, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work‑life balance.
• Time to recharge: 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 and lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working: flexible hours with hybrid working options (full‑time and part‑time).

Company Overview

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. 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.

Employment Details

• Primary Location: GB – Yeovil – Lysander Rd.
• Contract Type: Permanent.
• Working Hours: Hybrid (full‑time and part‑time options available).
• Hybrid Working: Hybrid with international multicultural, innovative, technological environment.