At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in navigating aerospace export control and ensure compliance.
- Company: Join Martin-Baker, a leader in life-saving aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension, flexible leave, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a mission that has saved over 7,700 lives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring our technology reaches pilots safely.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in international trade compliance with aerospace experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Denham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Step into a role where legal expertise meets global operational impact. As the International Trade Compliance (ITC) Manager at Denham, you will lead a dedicated team to navigate the complex, high‑stakes world of aerospace export control. From regulations to real‑world delivery, your leadership ensures our life‑saving technology reaches global pilots safely and without delay.
At Martin‑Baker, the work we do matters. We design, manufacture and support life‑saving equipment used by aircrew around the world. Our products operate in demanding environments, where quality, reliability and attention to detail are critical.
Joining Martin‑Baker means becoming part of a business with a clear purpose, strong engineering capability and a long‑term commitment to its people, products and customers. Whether you work in engineering, operations, commercial, finance, supply chain or support functions, your contribution helps deliver equipment that protects lives. It is challenging work, but it is also meaningful, and with over 7,700 lives saved, it gives our people the opportunity to be part of something with real impact.
As the International Trade Compliance Manager, you will report directly to the Group Head of Compliance and take full ownership of our daily export and customs operations. You will step into a highly visible, strategic role, leading a tight‑knit team of four ITC professionals in a complex, fast‑paced environment where compliance is rarely black and white.
This is a unique opportunity to act as a pragmatic leader who interprets export law confidently to find compliant, service‑driven solutions. Furthermore, you will drive business transformation by leading a major £1 million Global Trade Solution (GTS) project to modernise our customs systems. This role is based at our Denham site, where you will directly influence senior leadership and keep our global business moving.
What You’ll Do
- Team Leadership: Manage and develop a team of four ITC professionals, providing technical guidance, hands‑on coaching, and nurturing future talent.
- Compliance & Licensing: Oversee all export licensing, sanctions screening, and technology export licenses for employee business travel.
- Operational Flow: Manage daily business‑as‑usual activities, including standard sales orders and off‑system orders, to ensure zero delays in shipping.
- Project Delivery: Lead the implementation of our £1 million GTS project covering customs import, customs export, and trade preference management.
- Strategic Guidance: Stay ahead of changing global trade legislation (such as international tariffs) and bring clear, risk‑assessed options and recommendations to senior leadership.
What We’re Looking For
- Deep ITC Experience: 5 to 10 years of dedicated experience living and breathing export control and international trade compliance (essential).
- Aerospace & Defence Background: Strong, practical knowledge of US export controls (ITAR and EAR) and EU regulations (essential).
- Customs Knowledge: A solid, broad understanding of customs compliance and import/export regulations (essential).
- Pragmatic Law Interpretation: Proven ability to confidently interpret and apply complex export laws in a real‑world, commercial environment (essential).
- Systems Project Experience: Prior involvement with Global Trade Solution (GTS) software implementations or master data for imports and exports (desirable).
- Mindset: A confident, collaborative, solution‑oriented professional who thrives on finding legal, calculated ways forward in grey areas.
Share and demonstrate the Martin‑Baker values.
Our Values
At Martin‑Baker, we value professionalism, understanding, teamwork, humility, accountability and integrity. We look for people who take pride in their work, collaborate openly and act with care because the work we do matters.
What We Offer
- Excellent pension package with strong employer support — Martin‑Baker contributes 9 % of your salary (non‑contributory to the employee), with further employer contributions that grow as you increase your own.
- Lunchtime finish on a Friday.
- Personalised training and development plan.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave.
- Occupational Health team.
- Cycle to work scheme.
How to Apply / Your Interview Journey
Please submit your CV and, should you wish, a brief covering letter outlining your suitability, including any relevant experience, skills and expertise you can bring to the role. After submitting your application, your details will be reviewed, and the recruitment team will be in touch.
Initial Telephone interview: A detailed conversation with your Recruitment Business Partner to understand your background and motivation for joining Martin‑Baker.
First Stage Interview: An initial virtual discussion to explore your background, motivations and suitability for the role.
Final Stage Interview: A face‑to‑face technical and operational assessment at our Denham site, allowing you to demonstrate your compliance capability, leadership approach, and technical expertise.
We believe in equal opportunity, committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is respected. We want you to be able to do your best work.
Martin‑Baker is a signatory to the Armed Force Covenant, showing our support and commitment to our Armed Forces and their families, proudly supporting those who serve.
This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). The role also involves access to information governed by U.S. Export Control Laws (including ITAR); therefore, all applicants must satisfy ITAR eligibility requirements.
Contact Details:
Northgate Vehicle Hire Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International Trade Compliance Manager in Denham
✨Join Compliance Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace International Trade Compliance Manager in Denham
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 Northgate Vehicle Hire Careers. 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 Northgate Vehicle Hire Careers
✨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!
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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 Northgate Vehicle Hire Careers’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
