At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead export compliance efforts and ensure adherence to international trade regulations.
- Company: Join Leonardo, a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team driving innovation and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while navigating exciting global trade challenges.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of UK export licensing and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 53000 - 70000 £ per year.
Salary Range: £53,000 - £70,000
Leonardo UK operates a grade-based salary framework with broad bands. The salary range shown reflects the approved grade band for this role, or a narrower hiring range published within that band, and is benchmarked against the external market. Exceptions above the standard range are managed through governance controls to protect internal equity.
Your Impact
Ready to make your mark at the heart of a global technology leader? 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.
As Export Compliance Lead you will 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 (“Trade Control regulations”). The role will include liaison with the LoB management and project teams to ensure that relevant Leonardo directives and related policies and processes are followed.
You will also:
- 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, and contribute to the preparation of reports, including Voluntary Disclosures
- Support and prepare for internal and external audits related to Export Control
- Support and work with the Customs Compliance leads regarding Customs Special Procedures and Commodity Code classification
What you will bring
- 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
- A solid working knowledge of UK Customs regulations and their application in a global business environment
- The role will involve some national travel and possibly international travel.
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 (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
- 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!
Export Compliance Lead in Yeovil employer: Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
Leonardo UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous leave, an award-winning pension scheme, and access to extensive learning resources, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Yeovil, this role as Export Compliance Lead provides the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects within a global technology leader, ensuring compliance while fostering innovation and collaboration.
Contact Details:
Leonardo Worldwide Corporation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Export Compliance Lead in Yeovil
✨Join Compliance Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Export Compliance Lead in Yeovil
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonardo Worldwide Corporation
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Leonardo Worldwide Corporation’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
