Trade Compliance Manager - Aerospace & Defence Sector

Position Overview The Trade and Security Compliance Manager is responsible for leading and sustaining global trade compliance and security compliance programs to ensure the lawful, secure, and uninterrupted execution of domestic and international business. This role serves as the subject matter expert for export controls, import compliance, sanctions, controlled technical data, and industrial security requirements, while also supporting secure government program execution across the full business lifecycle. The manager develops and administers policies, procedures, training, audits, and corrective actions that support compliance with UK Export Controls, ITAR, EAR, OFAC/OFSI, customs/import requirements, AEO, IPR, Customs Warehousing, GSCP, DFARS, and CUI‑related obligations. Responsibilities Working across Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, Shipping, Legal, HR, IT, Group Security, and site leadership, this position ensures that business operations, technical data handling, and government program activities are conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements, customer commitments, and internal company standards. Direct Develop, implement, and maintain compliance policies, procedures, internal controls, and recordkeeping practices covering exports, imports, sanctions screening, controlled technical data, secure program access, and incident escalation. Oversee export and import compliance activities, including jurisdiction and classification support, authorization determinations, denied party screening, shipment documentation, customs entry coordination, and resolution of compliance issues or government inquiries. Provide day‑to‑day guidance to Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, Shipping/Receiving, Operations, and other functions on the transfer, access, handling, and protection of controlled products, technical data, software, and government‑related information. Essential Skills and Experience Eight or more years of professional experience in global trade compliance, export/import operations, security compliance, or regulated government/aerospace environments, with demonstrated ownership of program execution and compliance outcomes. Strong working knowledge of UK Military Export Controls, ITAR, EAR, OFAC/OFSI, customs/import requirements, and export‑controlled technical data handling, including practical application in manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, or government contract environments. Demonstrated experience administering or supporting industrial security programs, including familiarity with GSCP requirements and interaction with MoD or comparable government security expectations. Experience developing and implementing compliance procedures, internal controls, training programs, and audit or self‑assessment activities. Ability to interpret regulations, contractual clauses, and customer requirements and translate them into practical business processes and operational guidance. Experience supporting investigations, corrective actions, and issue resolution involving compliance deviations, audit findings, or regulatory concerns. Ideally, You’ll Also Have Advanced experience in aerospace, defence, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments supporting UK Government or prime contractor customers. Prior designation or experience as a Technical Data Coordinator (TDC), Facility Security Officer, or similar compliance/security leadership responsibility. Experience supporting classified programs, secure facilities, or access‑controlled government work environments. Experience with GSCP preparation, implementation, or sustainment and broader cybersecurity compliance readiness activities. Experience managing a Private Customs Warehouse, Inward Processing Relief