Job Description

At Hi-Rel Lids, we are a trusted partner to the defence and aerospace industries, delivering secure, compliant, and mission-critical trade solutions across global supply chains. With operations spanning complex and sensitive markets, our commitment to regulatory excellence and national security is at the heart of everything we do. We are seeking a seasoned Senior Trade Analyst - Import/Export to strengthen our UK compliance function and uphold the standards that define our industry leadership.

Role Overview:

As a key member of our compliance team, Import/Export Specialist will ensure the company's UK import/export operations adhere to all applicable trade regulations, with a particular emphasis on UK defence export controls and aerospace-related compliance. This position requires deep knowledge of government regulations and a proactive approach to managing licensing, customs procedures, and risk. You will serve as the company's subject matter expert on UK trade compliance, particularly in defence trade control matters, and interface with regulatory bodies, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Ensure full compliance with UK and EU trade regulations, including HMRC, DIT, ECJU, UK Sanctions, and other applicable authorities

Manage export licences (OGELs, OGTCLs, SIELs) via SPIRE and LITE ensuring adherence to end-use, end-user, and destination controls

Perform accurate classification of defence and dual-use goods under the UK Global Tariff and maintain up-to-date commodity code records

Coordinate accurate and timely UK export declarations, support customs broker oversight

Maintain detailed and auditable records for all import/export activities.

With the quality team, conduct internal audits, support investigations, and drive corrective actions related to non-compliance or process gaps

Stay ahead of regulatory changes and communicate impacts to affected business units, with a focus on defence-related updates

Support the Corporate Compliance Manager with risk assessments, voluntary disclosures, and compliance reporting

Develop and deliver training on export controls, customs compliance, and corporate policies to internal teams

Escalate non-conformance issues to Corporate Compliance Manager

Qualifications & Experience:

Ideally experience within the defence, aerospace, or high-tech sectors

Knowledge of UK export control regulations (UKML, WMD, End-Use), ECJU guidance, and the SPIRE system

Experience with CDS and CHIEF; knowledge of the CHIEF-to-CDS migration is highly desirable

Understanding of tariff classification, customs valuation, and origin requirements

Exceptional analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

Proficient with trade compliance software/tools and confident working with cross-border logistics processes

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

Company events Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Education:

Bachelor's (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Harleston IP20 9EA

Application deadline: 30/05/2025