Export Compliance Manager

ZipRecruiter; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Legal & Export Control Manager to oversee export compliance and legal governance within the defence and aerospace sectors. The role requires strong knowledge of UK, EU, and US trade regulations, particularly ITAR and EAR. This position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working arrangements in the Midlands, and significant opportunities for professional growth and autonomy.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Bonus scheme

Company car or cash allowance

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in UK, EU, and US export control regulations.
• Experience in compliance roles in regulated environments.
• SC clearance or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Manage export activities in compliance with regulations.
• Oversee export license applications and audits.
• Act as liaison for HMRC and regulatory inspections.

Skills

UK export control regulations expertise

Excellent communication skills

Legal literacy around commercial agreements

Experience in defence or aerospace

Interpersonal skills

Familiarity with FAR/DFARS frameworks

Job description

Job Description

Fortress Recruit is proud to be representing a global leader in advanced sealing technologies, to source a Legal & Export Control Manager to support applications across defence, aerospace, and industrial sectors.

Reporting to the GM, you'll lead the development and oversight of export compliance and legal governance across multiple UK manufacturing and distribution sites. This role is well-suited to someone with strong expertise in UK, EU, and US trade regulations (including EAR and ITAR), ideally gained in aerospace or defence environments.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing day-to-day export activities in compliance with regulations, with a strong focus on outbound shipments and technical documentation.
• Overseeing export license applications, renewals, and maintenance, particularly under ITAR, EAR, UK Export Control, and related frameworks.
• Acting as the primary liaison for HMRC, including audit preparation and regulatory inspections.
• Introducing standardised filing procedures and export compliance packs across all UK sites to ensure audit-readiness and operational consistency.
• Supporting flow-down requirements of FAR and DFARS regulations, particularly relevant to upcoming programmes and contracts.
• Advising on general contractual agreements, and legal contract terms

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• Strong expertise in UK, EU, and US export control regulations, including ITAR, EAR, and sanctions compliance.
• Experience working in a compliance-focused role within a defence, aerospace, or highly regulated engineering environment.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS frameworks and their application in defence contracting
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels.
• Legal literacy around commercial agreements, ideally with previous exposure to supplier contracts and confidentiality terms.
• SC clearance or ability to obtain

The position offers significant autonomy and variety, with a hybrid base in the Midlands and regular UK travel. In return, you’ll receive a competitive salary and bonus scheme, plus a company car or cash allowance. Flexible working is supported.

This is a high-impact role within a forward-thinking organisation at the forefront of global engineering. For a full job description or confidential chat, contact [e-mail] or call Becki directly.