Trade Controls Manager (EU)

DroneShield; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

DroneShield is seeking a Trade Controls Manager to lead our global trade compliance program, focusing on Dutch and EU export controls. The role requires deep expertise in EU regulations and strong coordination with customs, freight forwarders and licensing bodies.

Candidates should have 3–5 years of progressive experience in trade compliance, with preferred background in defence or aerospace. Unrestricted EU work rights are required; location is Amsterdam-based with global scope.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Law, International Business, SCM, or Logistics.
• 3–5 years of experience in trade compliance and export controls.
• Defence or aerospace familiarity and EU/Dutch export control knowledge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain a global trade compliance program.
• Ensure import/export activities comply with EU and Dutch regulations; account for US/Australian rules.
• Monitor EU regulatory changes and interpret their impact.
• Oversee export control classifications for goods, technology and software.
• Prepare and submit export/import licenses under Dutch and EU frameworks.
• Coordinate day-to-day import/export with freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Maintain complete records of all trade transactions.

Skills

Trade compliance

Export controls

EU regulations

Dutch export controls

Education

Bachelor's or Master degree in Law/International Business/SCM/Logistics

Job description

Work with cutting edge AI technology, making the world a safer and more secure place. DroneShield (ASX:DRO) offers an opportunity to solve some of world's most challenging technical problems in the rapidly growing counter-drone sector.

Our customers operate in some of the most challenging and high-stakes environments in the world, including military organisations, government agencies, airports, critical infrastructure operators, and law enforcement. Protecting airspace in these settings requires technology that performs under pressure and teams that understand what's at stake. At DroneShield, employees work at the leading edge of counter-drone innovation, helping to address real-world security challenges as drone threats continue to evolveglobally.

With one of the largest listed defence company market capitalisations in Australia, now part of the ASX200 index, DroneShield is experiencing a period of hypergrowth. Revenue has surged from A$57 million in 2024 to over A$217 million in 2025, representing growth of more than 400% year-on-year, with record profitability and cashflow. The total addressable global market for counter-drone is assessed at approximately $100 billion, and is currently at the nascent stage with much of the growth still to come, with DroneShield well positioned as a global market leader, and the only public listed pure-play business in this sector.

The company has grown from 11 employees in 2017 to over 450 staff globally today, and is on track to reach around 550 by the end of 2026. This expansion includes investment of over A$50 million annually in R&D, a global pipeline exceeding A$2.5 billion, and continuous scaling of production capacity to meet accelerating demand.

About the role

The Trade Controls Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining a comprehensive global trade compliance program ensuring adherence to Dutch and international export controls regulations. This role requires deep expertise in trade regulations and export controls related to goods for both munition and dual-use lists, particularly focus on EU regulations.

Candidates currently located in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Leiden, and The Hague would be considered.

Responsibilities, Duties and Expectations

• Compliance framework ensuring full compliance with Dutch trade and export controls regulations.
• Ensure all import and export activities comply with EU regulations with attention to International export regulations such as U.S. and Australian regulations.
• Monitor and interpret changes in the EU regulations.
• Oversee export control classifications for goods, technology and software.
• Managing the drafting and submission of export/import licenses and authorisations under the Dutch and EU frameworks.
• Coordinate day-to-day import/export requirements with freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Maintain records of all trade transactions.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor's or Master degree in Law, International Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management or proven field experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience in trade compliance, export controls.
• Defence or aerospace industry experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrable knowledge of Dutch and EU export controls regulations, including EU Dual-Use Regulation.
• Unrestricted working rights in EU.

Note for recruitment agencies: We do not accept unsolicited candidates from external recruiters unless specifically instructed.