Role Overview

One of our pristegious clients in Semley is seeking a Export (Trade) Compliance Officer to support the business in managing UK export control and trade compliance activities across its defence and dual-use aerospace programmes.

This role is well suited to someone early in their trade compliance career, or from a related background (defence, engineering, operations or commercial) who is keen to develop specialist expertise in UK export controls. The position offers structured exposure, mentoring and hands-on experience in a growing defence SME, with flexibility to fit around personal commitments.

Key Responsibilities

The Trade Compliance Officer will support the business in the following areas:

• Support classification of products, components, software and technical data against the UK Military List and dual-use controls, with guidance as required.

• Assist with the preparation and management of UK export licences, including OGEL, OIEL and SIEL.

• Support engagement with the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU), including F680 applications, Exhibition Clearances and Crown Exemptions.

• Maintain export control records and compliance documentation in line with licence and regulatory requirements.

• Help ensure export control considerations are embedded early in engineering, programme and commercial activities.

• Support compliance for intangible transfers of technology, overseas travel, demonstrations, trials and exhibitions.

• Assist in developing and maintaining proportionate export control procedures appropriate for a defence SME.

• Support internal export control awareness and training, helping colleagues understand their responsibilities.

• Provide general trade compliance support across the business as required.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

We are looking for someone who demonstrates:

• An interest in trade compliance, export controls or defence regulation, with a willingness to learn.

• Some relevant experience or exposure within defence, aerospace, engineering, operations or commercial environments (formal trade compliance experience is not essential).

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• The ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively with technical and non-technical teams.

• A pragmatic, proportionate approach to compliance in a fast-moving SME environment.

• Eligibility to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC).

• Right to live and work in the UK.

Desirable (but Not Essential)

• Familiarity with UK export controls, ECJU or the UK Military List.

• Experience working within a regulated or security-sensitive environment.

Working Pattern & Location

This role is intentionally flexible and may suit candidates seeking:

• Reduced hours per day rather than fixed part-time days

• A role that can be arranged around other professional or personal commitments

• A hybrid working pattern, with an expectation of some regular hours on-site to engage with engineering, programme and leadership teams

Specific hours, days and in-office expectations will be agreed with the successful candidate.

If this position is of interest to you, please apply below or contact Charlie for more information.

01935 388864 or Charlie.simsmorson.com