Internal Trade Compliance Control Lead in Somerset

Leonardo UK Ltd is seeking a Governance and Audit Lead to work within its Trade Compliance Function to support the management and control of all aspects of UK Export Control and Compliance.

As a Governance and Audit Lead, you will provide business support services including advice and guidance to Leonardo UK’s divisions and functions to ensure the company remains compliant with UK Export Control laws, US Export Control laws and other relevant laws and regulations, including HMRC requirements. Leonardo fully supports flexible/home working. With a home base from one of Leonardo UK’s facilities, and a requirement to be on site 3 days a week as a minimum, the role will involve some UK travel and possibly international travel.

Responsibilities

• Implement a process for overseeing ITAR/EAR and HMRC related controls as required.
• Lay the groundwork for all external and internal audits as required (with support).
• Implement controls into the business to track progress on all matters relating to Licensing and Customs.
• Act as the voicepiece into the Senior Leadership team on all controls relating to Licensing and HMRC issues on a regular basis.
• Make recommendations for standardisation across all sites, utilising tools such as Six Sigma, SAP GTS etc.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team in respect of communications with the authorities, including responding to government audits (ECJU/Blue lantern/HMRC) and other inquiries.
• Identify compliance gaps, propose and support implementation of required corrective actions where appropriate.
• Implement a process for overseeing and monitoring Trade Compliance policies, procedures and work instructions (including any delegated into the business), ensuring updates and reviews are managed, and adherence to the policies is monitored via internal health checks and audits.
• Establish governance and control activities outside of Trade Compliance for other interrelated functions.
• Implement a consistent audit process for all Compliance activities in anticipation of AEO accreditation.
• Be accountable for investigating “Escapes” and non‑compliant activities and implementing corrective actions.

What You’ll Bring

• The successful candidate will have good proven personal and interpersonal, organisational, time management and planning skills, as well as the ability to work within a multi‑functional team.
• The ability to make independent decisions, demonstrating good problem solving, negotiating and influencing/mediating skills is essential, as are the drive and determination to achieve objectives.
• Educated to a degree level, or hold a professional qualification, and at least 5 years’ demonstrable licence and audit experience.
• An experienced practitioner with an in‑depth and detailed knowledge of Licensing laws and regulations.
• Prior involvement in regulatory audits.
• Strong interpersonal/influencing skills to support decision‑making based on credible knowledge of Licensing and International Trade.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications.
• Awareness of, and general familiarity with, SAP S4/HANA.
• Experience in Change Management.

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, including eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Benefits

• 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.