Head of Customs Compliance, Helicopters UK in Yeovil

Leonardo UK Ltd is seeking a Head of Customs Compliance – Helicopters to work within its Trade Compliance Function to support the management and control of all aspects of UK Customs & Export Control & Compliance. The role supports business functions by providing advice and guidance to Leonardo Helicopters functions to ensure the company remains compliant with Customs and Excise Management Act, UK Export Control laws, US Export Control laws and other relevant laws and regulations. Leonardo fully supports flexible/home working. The role is based at the Yeovil facility and requires on‑site presence at least three days a week, with some UK travel and potentially international travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute central UK Customs Compliance strategy.
• Lead business partnering within the Helicopters division and head the operational steer‑co.
• Manage escalated queries from the customs function and conduct HMRC discussions at the Unit level.
• Act as point of contact for new products and contracts, ensuring compliance with UK customs regulations and internal policies.
• Identify and mitigate specific risks within the division.
• Implement the customs compliance roadmap for the division, aligning with overarching company objectives.
• Support central customs audits and conduct internal checks to maintain compliance standards.
• Deliver and facilitate customs training for relevant divisional stakeholders.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Degree level education or equivalent professional qualification.
• At least 5 years’ demonstrable UK customs, licensing and audit experience.
• In‑depth, detailed knowledge of UK Customs and UK Export Control laws and regulations.
• Prior involvement in regulatory audits.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and decision‑making skills.
• Presentation skills for delivering training sessions.
• Good all‑round computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.

This is not an exhaustive list; a good attitude and willingness to learn are the most important skills.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional Personnel Security Controls such as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Benefits

• Generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Company‑funded pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Eligibility for the bonus scheme for all employees at management level and below.
• Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
• Referral programme with a financial reward.
• Flexible benefits package up to £500 annually, including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, and gym memberships.
• Flexible working with hybrid options.

Location: Yeovil, United Kingdom