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