Alchemy is partnering with an established aerospace manufacturer seeking an experienced Trade Compliance Manager to lead and oversee export, customs, and trade compliance activities across the UK and Europe. Acting as the regional subject matter expert, you will ensure compliance with UK, EU, and US trade regulations while partnering with business leaders to embed robust compliance processes that support operational and commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities
* Serve as the UK and European trade compliance expert and escalation point for complex regulatory matters.
* Lead trade compliance activities across the UK and Isle of Man, while providing functional oversight and support to operations in France and Germany.
* Develop, implement, and continuously improve trade compliance processes, controls, policies, and procedures across multiple sites.
* Partner with Legal, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Commercial teams to ensure compliance requirements are effectively integrated into business activities and decision-making.
* Ensure compliance with UK Export Control regulations, EU export control requirements, and US ITAR/EAR regulations.
* Manage export licensing activities, including OGEL, SIEL, F680, ITAR, and EAR authorisations, and support licensing requirements across European operations.
* Oversee export control classification of products, technology, and software, maintaining effective classification processes and records.
* Monitor and support the compliant movement of controlled goods, technology, and cross-border transfers.
* Provide expert guidance on sanctions, embargoes, and international trade restrictions.
* Lead customs compliance activities, including tariff classification, valuation, origin determination, and customs process optimisation.
* Identify and mitigate compliance risks, conduct investigations, support voluntary disclosures, and drive corrective actions where necessary.
* Manage internal compliance reviews, audits, and monitoring programmes, ensuring timely resolution of findings.
* Conduct third-party due diligence and screening activities.
* Oversee visitor and business travel approval processes in accordance with UK and US regulatory requirements.
* Deliver training, coaching, and ongoing support to operational and commercial teams on trade compliance matters.
* Manage and develop the Import/Export Administrator while providing operational support when required.
Requirements
* Extensive knowledge of international trade compliance, export controls, customs regulations, and relevant ISO standards.
* Proven experience in a Trade Compliance role within a medium-to-large Aerospace, Defence, or highly regulated manufacturing environment.
* Strong working knowledge of UK Export Controls, EU regulations, customs compliance, and US ITAR/EAR requirements.
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, drive results, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Practical, hands-on approach with excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
* Broad understanding of manufacturing, supply chain, quality, engineering, and operational business processes.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of an organisation.
* Experience delivering compliance training and awareness programmes is advantageous.
* Strong systems capability, including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, ERP systems, and compliance databases.