Head of Export Compliance, Helicopters

Head of Export Compliance, Helicopters

Salary Range: £66,000 – £90,000

Leonardo UK Ltd is seeking a Head of Export Compliance, Helicopters to work within its Trade Compliance Function to support the management and control of all aspects of UK Export Control Compliance. You will provide business support services, including advice and guidance to Leonardo Helicopters functions, ensuring the company remains compliant with Customs and Excise Management Act, UK Export Control laws, US Export Control laws and other relevant regulations.

Flexible/home working is fully supported. The home base is at Leonardo UK’s Yeovil facilities, with a requirement to be on site a minimum of 3 days a week. The role may involve UK travel and occasional international travel.

Responsibilities:

• Execute central UK Export Compliance strategy.
• Lead business partnering within the Helicopters division and head the operational steerco.
• Manage escalated queries from the trade compliance function and oversee ECJU & HMRC discussions at Unit (Helicopters) level.
• Act as point of contact for new products and contracts.
• Ensure export activities adhere to UK export & customs regulations, other country regulations where applicable (ITAR/BAFA/EAR), and internal policies.
• Identify and mitigate specific risks within the division.
• Implement the export compliance roadmap for the division, aligning with company objectives.
• Support central export audits and conduct internal checks to maintain compliance standards.
• Deliver and facilitate customs training for relevant divisional stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Educated to a degree level or hold a professional qualification.
• At least 5 years’ demonstrable UK customs, licensing and audit experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK Customs and Export Control laws and regulations.
• In‑depth knowledge of US ITAR & EAR regulations.
• Prior involvement in regulatory audits.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills.
• Presentation skills for training delivery.
• Good all‑round computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance: This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional Personnel Security Controls (National Security Vetting) may apply, including the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit

• Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Benefit from an award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led inclusion networks.
• Bonus scheme available to employees at management level and below.
• Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Referral programme with financial reward.
• Flexible benefits package up to £500 annually, including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
• Flexible working hours with hybrid options.

Location: Yeovil, GB – Lysander Rd

Contract Type: Permanent (Hybrid Working: Hybrid International, multicultural, innovative, technological)