Export & Trade Compliance Officer

Export & Trade Compliance Officer
Salary up to £60,000 + benefits

A rare opportunity has arisen for an experienced Export & Trade Compliance professional to take ownership of a critical compliance function within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

This is far more than a transactional export role. The successful candidate will become a key point of contact for export controls, international trade compliance, customs activity, and controlled goods governance across the business. Working closely with operational and commercial teams, you will play a central role in ensuring shipments, documentation, processes, and compliance standards are managed accurately and effectively in line with UK export legislation and ITAR requirements.

We are looking for someone who combines strong technical compliance knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach, someone comfortable operating within a fast-paced environment where accuracy, accountability, and confidentiality are essential.,

This position offers genuine ownership, long-term stability, and the opportunity to join a well-established organisation that continues to invest in its people, systems, and future growth.

The Role

Working closely with Operations, Logistics, Procurement, Quality, Sales, freight forwarders, and external regulatory bodies, you will be responsible for ensuring all export and shipping activities are completed accurately, efficiently, and compliantly.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing and maintaining export compliance processes across international shipments
• Preparing and reviewing export documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, export declarations, shipping documentation, and certificates of origin
• Supporting export licensing activities and maintaining associated records
• Ensuring commodity codes and customs information remain accurate and up to date
• Liaising with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and transport providers
• Conducting sanctions screening and denied party checks where required
• Supporting internal and external compliance audits
• Assisting with investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities
• Monitoring changes to export legislation and communicating updates internally
• Supporting compliance across ITAR-controlled programmes and controlled goods activities
• Maintaining compliance records in line with company and regulatory requirements
• Supporting the secure handling of controlled data, products, and documentation

About You

We are keen to speak with candidates who can demonstrate:

• Previous experience within export compliance, trade compliance, logistics, shipping, customs, or international trade
• Strong understanding of UK export regulations and customs procedures
• Experience working within a regulated manufacturing or engineering environment
• Working knowledge of ITAR and controlled goods requirements
• Experience handling export documentation and international shipments
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail
• A professional and highly confidential approach to work
• Confidence working independently and collaboratively across departments
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel

Experience with export licensing, Incoterms, commodity codes, ERP systems, or customs software would be advantageous.

Eligibility Requirements

Due to the nature of the work involved, applicants must be eligible to work within ITAR-controlled environments.

Candidates must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK without sponsorship. 

Package

• Salary up to £60,000 depending on experience
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Death in service benefit
• Early finish every Friday
• Long-term career development within a growing and supportive business

This is an excellent opportunity to join a business with a strong reputation, and a collaborative culture, where compliance is viewed as a critical function within the wider operation.

For further information, please apply in complete confidence.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.