Trade Compliance Officer
Location: Enfield
Salary: Up to £50,000 per annum
Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
We are seeking an experienced Trade Compliance Officer to join a well-established organisation operating within a highly regulated, international environment. This is a key role within the Legal & Compliance function, responsible for ensuring full adherence to UK, EU, US and international import/export regulations.
The successful candidate will act as the internal subject matter expert for trade controls, working closely with Project Teams, Engineering, Sales, Operations and Finance to embed export control and customs compliance into business processes from bid stage through to delivery.
The Role
You will manage and continuously improve the organisation's trade compliance framework, ensuring compliance with UK Export Controls, EU regulations, US EAR and ITAR requirements, and HMRC customs legislation.
This position requires strong technical expertise, sound judgement, and the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Key Responsibilities
* Ensure compliance with UK, EU and international trade regulations, including EAR and ITAR
* Establish Commodity List Classifications (CLC), Export Control Ratings, ECCNs and Customs classifications
* Prepare and submit export licence applications (OIELs, SIELs, OGELs, F680s, etc.)
* Manage SPIRE/LITE administration and liaise with regulatory bodies (ECJU, HMRC, MoD, BIS, HM Treasury)
* Conduct Denied Party Screening and manage sanctions compliance (including OFAC requirements)
* Support project lifecycle reviews, including Sales-to-PM handovers, to address export control considerations
* Ensure compliance with UK customs regimes (IPR, OPR, PCC) and tariff classifications
* Conduct internal trade compliance audits and prepare reports, including draft voluntary disclosures
* Deliver trade compliance training across the business
* Monitor export licence usage and prepare statutory returns
* Maintain and improve trade compliance procedures
* Advise Development Teams on export implications of product design and component selection
* Ensure ERP shipment processing aligns with export compliance requirements
Experience & Knowledge Required
* 3-5 years' experience in Trade Compliance / Export Control
* Strong working knowledge of UK Export Licensing and Trade Controls
* Experience with EU customs regulations and US ITAR / EAR
* Understanding of export documentation including TAAs, GCs, DSP-5, US Commerce Licences, OGELs, OIELs, SIELs and F680
* Familiarity with sanctions regimes and Denied Party Screening processes
* Experience within Defence or another highly regulated industry desirable
* Good understanding of international logistics and shipping compliance
Skills & Competencies
* High degree of integrity and professional judgement
* Strong analytical and investigative mindset
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Ability to influence and guide stakeholders across multiple departments
* Confident delivering training and compliance presentations
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail
Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Law, Finance, Business Management or related field preferred
* International Trade or Export Compliance certifications advantageous