Export Compliance Manager

Escape Recruitment Services; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Escape Recruitment Services seeks an experienced Trade Compliance Manager to lead export control and sanctions compliance for the UK, US and international regulations. This stand-alone role acts as the SME, advising Engineering, Sales, Projects, Supply Chain and Customer Support on regulatory matters.

You will manage licence applications, develop processes, train staff and monitor regulatory changes, delivering pragmatic guidance to support programmes and audits. BPSS clearance may be required.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in Export Control or Trade Compliance.
• Strong knowledge of UK Export Control legislation and licensing.
• Practical experience of US export controls (ITAR and EAR).
• Knowledge of UK sanctions and military/dual-use classifications.
• Experience managing export licences, audits and compliance reviews.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and provide clear, practical advice.
• Confident to work independently and own the function.

Responsibilities

• Managing export licence applications and associated documentation.
• Advising on export controls, sanctions and trade compliance.
• Developing and improving compliance processes and procedures.
• Supporting audits, risk assessments and compliance reviews.
• Monitoring regulatory changes and translating them into business requirements.
• Delivering training and compliance awareness.
• Working with regulatory authorities and international counterparts.
• Providing pragmatic, risk-based advice to support delivery.

Skills

Export control

Trade compliance

Sanctions knowledge

Licensing management

Regulatory advisory

Stakeholder management

Job description

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Trade Compliance Manager to join a global engineering organisation.

This is a stand-alone role with responsibility for export control and sanctions compliance across UK, US and international regulations. You will act as the subject matter expert, providing practical advice to teams across Engineering, Sales, Projects, Supply Chain and Customer Support.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing export licence applications and associated documentation
• Advising the business on export controls, sanctions and trade compliance
• Developing and improving compliance processes and procedures
• Supporting audits, risk assessments and compliance reviews
• Monitoring regulatory changes and translating them into practical business requirements
• Delivering training and compliance awareness
• Working with regulatory authorities and international counterparts
• Providing pragmatic, risk-based advice to support business and programme delivery

About you:

You will have significant hands‑on experience in Export Control or Trade Compliance, ideally within defence, naval, maritime, aerospace or engineering.

• Strong knowledge of UK Export Control legislation and licensing
• Practical experience of US export controls, including ITAR and EAR
• Knowledge of UK sanctions and military/dual‑use classificationsExperience managing export licences, audits and compliance reviews
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• The ability to interpret complex regulations and provide clear, practical advice
• Confidence to work independently and take ownership of the function

Experience of MOD F680/F1686, customs compliance or international logistics would be advantageous.

BPSS screening and the ability to obtain UK Security Clearance will be required.