Global Trade Compliance Manager

Rotork plc; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Rotork plc is seeking a strategic and experienced Global Trade Compliance Manager based in Manchester, England. This role will lead the international trade compliance program, ensuring adherence to customs, export control, and sanctions regulations across global operations. Responsibilities include developing a compliance framework, overseeing import/export activities, and managing teams for efficient cross-border trade.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in international trade compliance, a relevant degree, and a strong focus on risk management and training. The position promotes a culture of compliance and requires teamwork across various departments.

Qualifications

• Recent international experience with import/export regulations.
• Experience with customs authorities, brokers, and clearance procedures.
• Knowledge of ITAR and EAR compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the global trade compliance framework.
• Manage export controls, sanctions, and licensing activities.
• Lead audits, risk assessments, and regulatory responses.
• Drive compliance training and awareness across the business.

Skills

International Import & Export Regulations

Customs Authorities

Customs Brokers

Clearance Procedures

Export Licenses

ITAR

EAR

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualifications

Import/Export/International Trade Compliance Qualifications

Job description

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Global Trade Compliance Manager to lead our international trade compliance program and ensure adherence to all customs, export control, and sanctions regulations across our global operations.

In this role, you will act as the organisation’s subject‑matter expert, safeguarding the business from regulatory and reputational risk while enabling efficient cross‑border trade. You will design and maintain a robust compliance framework, monitor evolving regulations, and embed best practices across the business.

You will oversee import/export compliance activities, including classification, valuation, origin, export licensing, and sanctions screening, while managing broker relationships and leading audits, disclosures, and corrective actions. A key focus will be identifying and mitigating risk, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring compliance is integrated into systems, processes, and decision‑making.

Working cross‑functionally with Legal, Supply Chain, Finance, IT, and Sales, you will promote a strong culture of compliance through training and stakeholder engagement. You will also lead and develop regional teams, set performance objectives, and manage external partners.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the global trade compliance framework
• Ensure compliant import/export processes and accurate trade data
• Manage export controls, sanctions, and licensing activities
• Lead audits, risk assessments, and regulatory responses
• Drive compliance training and awareness across the business
• Embed controls into systems and improve processes through automation
• Lead and develop global compliance teams

Success in this role will be measured by strong audit outcomes, minimal compliance risk, reduced trade disruption, and clear integration of compliance into business operations.

Qualifications

• Extensive recent international experience of International Import & Export Regulations; Customs Authorities, Customs Brokers, Clearance Procedures, Export Licenses, ITAR, EAR.
• Degree or equivalent professional qualifications
• Professional Qualifications: Import /Export / International Trade Compliance Qualifications.
• Experienced in implementing AEO (Authorised Economic Operator) programmes