Legal & Export Control Manager

Lord Search & Selection; West Midlands Combined Authority; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global engineering company is seeking a Legal & Export Control Manager who will oversee export regulations and compliance in defense and aerospace sectors. This hybrid role based in the Midlands offers autonomy and a strong benefits package, requiring expertise in trade regulations and excellent interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Income protection

Company car or cash allowance

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in UK, EU, and US export control regulations.
• Experience in a compliance-focused role in defence or aerospace.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Manage export activities in compliance with regulations.
• Oversee export license applications and maintain compliance.
• Liaise with HMRC for audit preparations and inspections.

Skills

Export control regulations expertise

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Legal literacy

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, along with a strong benefits package including private healthcare, life assurance, and income protection.

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, please apply to the role or call Becki on (phone number removed).