Head of Export Compliance, Helicopters

Job Description

Salary Range £66,000 - £90,000 (thresholds determined by Leonardo UK grade-based framework).

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.

In this role you will provide business support services including advice and guidance to Leonardo Helicopters functions to keep the company compliant with the Customs and Excise Management Act, UK Export Control laws, US Export Control laws and other relevant laws and regulations.

Leonardo fully supports flexible/home working. With a home base in Yeovil, the role will require onsite presence at least three days per week and involve some UK travel and possibly international travel.

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

• Educated to a degree level or hold a professional qualification, with 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 and influencing skills to support decision‑making based on credible knowledge of Customs and International Trade.
• Presentation skills for delivering training.
• Good all‑round computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to make independent decisions, demonstrate good problem solving, negotiating and influencing/mediating skills, and drive determination to achieve objectives.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). Additional Personnel Security Controls under National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for the Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information, please visit

• Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi‑days annually.
• Company‑funded pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Eligibility for bonus scheme at management level and below.
• Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and Linked In Learning.
• Referral programme with financial reward.
• £500 annually for flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, and more.
• Flexible working arrangements with hybrid options; part‑time discussion possible.

• Primary
  
  Location:
  
  Yeovil, Lysander Rd, GB.
• Contract Type:
  Permanent.
• Working Pattern:
  Hybrid.