Trade Compliance Manager

Orion Electrotech; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Competitive salary and bonus

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

Orion Electrotech in Buckinghamshire is seeking an experienced International Trade Compliance Manager to lead and develop its international trade compliance function. The role focuses on UK export licensing, OGEL administration, ITAR and EAR regulations, and ensuring compliance across engineering, procurement and projects while supporting business growth in a fast-paced, technical environment.

You will act as the SME for export controls, engaging with regulatory bodies and providing training to

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in defence/aerospace or regulated sectors.
• Strong knowledge of UK export licensing and OGELs.
• Familiarity with UK Strategic Export Controls and licensing.
• Working knowledge of US ITAR and EAR regulations and their UK impact.
• Experience supporting regulatory audits and compliance reviews.

Responsibilities

• Lead UK export licensing, OGEL compliance, renewals and record keeping.
• Provide guidance on UK export control and ITAR/EAR requirements.
• Classify products, technology and services per regulations.
• Conduct supplier, customer and end-user screening.
• Develop, maintain and improve trade compliance policies and controls.
• Prepare for HMRC, ECJU audits and inspections.
• Deliver trade compliance training across the organisation.
• Collaborate with engineering, commercial and programmes from bid to delivery.
• Act as main contact for trade compliance with external bodies.

Skills

Export controls

OGEL administration

Export licensing

ITAR/EAR

Stakeholder management

Job description

International Trade Compliance Manager

Buckinghamshire | Hybrid Working | Circa £75,000 + bonus and competitive benefits

A leading aerospace and defence engineering organisation is seeking an experienced International Trade Compliance Manager to lead and develop its international trade compliance function.

This is a highly influential position for a trade compliance professional with strong expertise in export controls, OGEL administration, export licensing, ITAR and EAR regulations, who can balance regulatory requirements with business objectives in a fast-paced technical environment.

The Role

As the organisation's subject matter expert for International Trade Compliance, you will provide guidance across engineering, commercial, procurement, projects and operational teams, ensuring compliance with UK and US export control legislation while supporting business growth.

The successful candidate will take ownership of export licensing activities, maintain compliance frameworks, support government audits, and promote a culture of compliance throughout the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of UK export licensing, including OGEL compliance, licence applications, renewals and record keeping.
• Provide expert guidance on UK Export Control legislation and US ITAR/EAR requirements.
• Classify products, technology and services in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Conduct supplier, customer and end-user screening activities.
• Develop, maintain and improve trade compliance policies, procedures and controls.
• Support and lead preparations for HMRC, ECJU and other regulatory audits and inspections.
• Deliver trade compliance training across the organisation.
• Partner with engineering, commercial and programme teams from bid stage through project delivery.
• Act as the primary point of contact for trade compliance matters with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Trade Compliance professional who can demonstrate:

• Significant experience within the defence, aerospace or other highly regulated sectors.
• Strong knowledge of UK export licensing, including practical experience administering and managing OGELs.
• Proven understanding of UK Strategic Export Controls and licensing requirements.
• Working knowledge of US ITAR and EAR regulations and their impact on UK operations.
• Experience supporting regulatory audits and compliance reviews.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A commercially aware approach to compliance and risk management.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

What's on Offer?

• Strategic leadership role within a highly respected engineering and manufacturing organisation.
• Opportunity to shape and enhance trade compliance processes across multiple sites.
• Exposure to complex international programmes and customers.
• Collaborative, supportive, and technically advanced environment.
• Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.