International Trade Compliance Manager

International Trade Compliance Manager – Denham
Lead it. Resolve it. Trust it with lives!
Step into a role where legal expertise meets global operational impact. As the International Trade Compliance (ITC) Manager at Denham, you will lead a dedicated team to navigate the complex, high-stakes world of aerospace export control. From regulations to real-world delivery, your leadership ensures our life-saving technology reaches global pilots safely and without delay.
Direct Impact, Global Scale. Life-Saving Mission.
At Martin-Baker, the work we do matters. We design, manufacture and support life-saving equipment used by aircrew around the world. Our products operate in demanding environments, where quality, reliability and attention to detail are critical.
We’re proud of our long history in aerospace and defence, also focused on the future. Joining Martin-Baker means becoming part of a business with a clear purpose, strong engineering capability and a long-term commitment to its people, products and customers.
Whether you work in engineering, operations, commercial, finance, supply chain or support functions, your contribution helps deliver equipment that protects lives. It is challenging work, but it is also meaningful, and with over 7,700 lives saved, it gives our people the opportunity to be part of something with real impact.
The Opportunity
As the International Trade Compliance Manager, you will report directly to the Group Head of Compliance and take full ownership of our daily export and customs operations. You will step into a highly visible, strategic role, leading a tight-knit team of four ITC professionals in a complex, fast-paced environment where compliance is rarely black and white.
This is a unique opportunity to act as a pragmatic leader who interprets export law confidently to find compliant, service-driven solutions. Furthermore, you will drive business transformation by leading a major £1 million Global Trade Solution (GTS) project to modernise our customs systems.
This role is based at our Denham site, where you will directly influence senior leadership and keep our global business moving.
What You’ll Do
* Team Leadership: Manage and develop a team of four ITC professionals, providing technical guidance, hands-on coaching, and nurturing future talent.
* Compliance & Licensing: Oversee all export licensing, sanctions screening, and technology export licenses for employee business travel.
* Operational Flow: Manage daily business-as-usual activities, including standard sales orders and off-system orders, to ensure zero delays in shipping.
* Project Delivery: Lead the implementation of our £1 million GTS project covering customs import, customs export, and trade preference management.
* Strategic Guidance: Stay ahead of changing global trade legislation (such as international tariffs) and bring clear, risk-assessed options and recommendations to senior leadership.
What We’re Looking For
* Deep ITC Experience: 5 to 10 years of dedicated experience living and breathing export control and international trade compliance (essential).
* Aerospace & Defence Background: Strong, practical knowledge of US export controls (ITAR and EAR) and EU regulations (essential).
* Customs Knowledge: A solid, broad understanding of customs compliance and import/export regulations (essential).
* Pragmatic Law Interpretation: Proven ability to confidently interpret and apply complex export laws in a real-world, commercial environment (essential).
* Systems Project Experience: Prior involvement with Global Trade Solution (GTS) software implementations or master data for imports and exports (desirable).
* Mindset: A confident, collaborative, solution-oriented professional who thrives on finding legal, calculated ways forward in grey areas.
* Share and demonstrate the Martin-Baker values.
Our Values
At Martin-Baker, we value professionalism, understanding, teamwork, humility, accountability and integrity. We look for people who take pride in their work, collaborate openly and act with care because the work we do matters.
What We Offer
* Excellent pension package with strong employer support — Martin-Baker contributes 9% of your salary (non-contributory to the employee), with further employer contributions that grow as you increase your own
* Life Assurance
* Lunchtime finish on a Friday
* Personalised training and development plan
* Healthcare plan
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
* Martin-Baker + (retail discounts platform)
* Occupational Health team
* Workplace Nursery Benefit scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
How to Apply / Your Interview Journey
Please submit your CV and should you wish, a brief covering letter outlining your suitability, including any relevant experience, skills and expertise you can bring to the role.
Hit "Apply Now"
After submitting your application, your details will be reviewed, and the recruitment team will be in touch.
* Initial Telephone interview: A detailed conversation with your Recruitment Business Partner to understand your background and motivation for joining Martin-Baker.
* First Stage Interview: An initial virtual discussion to explore your background, motivations and suitability for the role
* Final Stage Interview: A face-to-face technical and operational assessment at our Denham site, allowing you to demonstrate your compliance capability, leadership approach, and technical expertise.
We believe in equal opportunity, committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is respected. We want you to be able to do your best work.
Martin-Baker is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, showing our support and commitment to our Armed Forces and their families, proudly supporting those who serve.
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).
The role also involves access to information governed by U.S. Export Control Laws (including ITAR); therefore, all applicants must satisfy ITAR eligibility requirements