At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global trade compliance strategy and ensure adherence to international regulations.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-tech industry while shaping a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in global trade compliance, strong leadership skills, and relevant degree.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At Safran, excellence is a journey - and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.
Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world‑class centre for the design, manufacture and support of actuation and flight‑control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms. With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.
Our UK Actuation business brings together engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing capability and a proud heritage within the aerospace sector. Whether supporting major global programmes or developing the next generation of actuation technologies, our people are at the heart of everything we do.
Your Role
This is a global leadership role, responsible for the development and execution of the organisation's global trade compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to international import/export regulations, customs requirements, and sanctions programmes.
- Partner with senior business leaders to support growth objectives while mitigating trade-related risks across multiple jurisdictions.
- Drive operational excellence through process standardisation, automation, and duty optimisation initiatives, while providing strategic leadership, guidance, and expertise on evolving global trade regulations.
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.
Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.
Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.
- Develop and implement the global trade compliance strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
- Act as the interface between Safran Actuation Systems and Safran Group SLT on international trade regulations, sanctions, and compliance risks.
- Lead, coach, and develop a globally dispersed, high-performing team of trade compliance professionals.
- Ensure compliance with import/export laws, customs regulations, and trade controls across global operations.
- Lead trade compliance audits, investigations, risk assessments, and corrective action programmes.
- Manage relationships with customs authorities, brokers, and regulatory agencies to support compliant operations.
- Drive standardisation, automation, and continuous improvement of global trade compliance processes.
- Support supply chain efficiency.
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Supply Chain, Law, or related field (Master's preferred).
- 10+ years of progressive experience in global trade, customs, or compliance, ideally in a multinational corporation within aerospace or defence sectors.
- Strong knowledge of import/export regulations, sanctions, and trade compliance frameworks (e.g., EAR, ITAR, OFAC, EU and UK regulations).
- Proven track record of managing global trade compliance programs and interacting with regulatory authorities.
- Capable of leading a remote team of 20+ highly-capable Trade Compliance professionals across Europe and the US.
- Exceptional leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
- Professional certifications (e.g., LCB, CCS, or equivalent) are a plus.
At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone. We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation.
Associate Director of Global Trade in Wolverhampton employer: Safran UK
At Safran, we prioritise our people and offer a supportive work environment that fosters diversity, innovation, and opportunity. With an impressive range of benefits including 33 days of holiday, a leading pension scheme, and enhanced family-friendly policies, we are committed to employee growth and well-being. Join us in Cwmbran, where you can be part of a global leader in aerospace and defence, contributing to a sustainable future while enjoying a vibrant work culture and numerous engagement opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director of Global Trade in Wolverhampton
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Safran UK for a Associate Director of Global Trade. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Global Trade in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran UK, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Safran UK, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Safran UK
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Safran UK.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Safran UK. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Safran UK love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
