Exports Controls Officer

Export Controls Officer
Location: Manchester, UK (Hybrid Working)

Leonid Group is proud to be retained on an executive search for one of our clients, a Exports Controls Officer, based in Manchester. 

An excellent opportunity has become available for an Export Controls Officer to join a leading organisation in the aerospace and defence industry.

Role Overview - Key Responsibilities:

• Take charge of the implementation and management of the Trade Compliance (TC) programme, ensuring adherence to policies, procedures, and automated tools in line with regulatory and corporate requirements at the UK site.
• Ensure that effective TC controls are identified and embedded into local business operations, ensuring consistent and proper execution.
• Perform transaction reviews, manage the application for export authorisations, conduct denied party screening, and handle jurisdiction and classification tasks. Support due diligence on transactions, technology transfers, facility controls, and maintain accurate records.
• Provide ongoing support and communication regarding trade compliance matters, delivering updates on relevant regulatory changes to raise awareness at the UK location.
• Support and conduct internal assessments, investigations, and facilitate the completion of corrective actions.
• Identify areas for training related to export compliance, deliver training sessions, engage in mandatory training, and pursue continuous self-education in trade compliance.
• Drive continuous improvements while upholding compliance standards, making use of benchmark opportunities, and applying lessons learned from audits, reviews, and internal reports.

Key Requirements:

• Comprehensive knowledge of UK and US export laws and regulations.
• Proven experience in managing teams and building relationships with senior business leaders.
• Ability to distil and communicate complex issues in a clear, concise manner.
• Experience in implementing and overseeing trade compliance programmes.
• Strong analytical skills in data collection, analysis, and preparation of concise reports.
• Familiarity with industry practices.
• Proven ability to solve complex issues through collaboration and teamwork.
• A bachelor’s degree in business or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• Direct experience in dealing with international trade regulations.
• Strong proficiency in computer systems such as SAP/S4H (GTS module), Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Experience with SharePoint is a plus.

Essential Skills and Competencies:

• Experience working within a high-technology, defence, or aerospace sector.
• Strong leadership abilities, with previous programme or project management experience being highly desirable.
• Prior experience in a similar role, particularly within a high-tech/defence organisation, dealing with high shipment volumes and export licensing.
• Expertise in end-use/end-user compliance and assurance procedures across various jurisdictions, including the UK, EU, and US.
• In-depth knowledge of UK Military and Dual-Use products, as well as multilateral control regimes.
• Well-versed in ITAR or EAR regulations and the global sanctions framework.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to act as a resource for resolving complex issues within the trade compliance field.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure, manage high workloads, meet tight deadlines, and make sound, timely decisions.

Additional Information:

This role involves handling export-controlled information and items, including regulated technology or technical data under ITAR/EAR US regulations. Applicants must be eligible to apply for and secure the necessary export control licences from relevant authorities.

Hybrid working arrangement (at least 3 days in the office). A relocation package is available for those opting for a full office-based role. Limited travel within the UK and internationally may be required.

Leonid Group Corporate Governance is a talent acquisition consultancy that specialises in the placement of Legal, Compliance, Risk, ESG and Sustainability and Audit professionals on an international scale across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.These are global disciplines with teams worldwide, and our network reflects this. We work with multinational corporations to help structure their departments with the best people, from the Global Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel to the Compliance Analyst and Trade Compliance Specialist.