Leonardo
Customs Compliance Operations Lead
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Customs Compliance Operations Lead
Job Opening: Customs Compliance Operations Lead
Salary Range: £53,000 – £70,000
Leonardo UK Ltd operates on a grade-based salary framework, with broad pay bands. This salary reflects the approved band for the role or a narrower hiring range, all aligned with the market rate. Exceptions may be considered under governed controls to preserve internal equity.
About the Role
Leonardo UK Ltd is seeking a Customs Compliance Operations Lead within its Trade Compliance Function to oversee:
- UK Customs & Export Controls compliance
- UK & US export regulations adherence
- Operational guidance and process improvement
In this role, you’ll provide critical advisory support to Leonardo Helicopters, ensuring compliance with:
- UK Customs and Excise Management Act
- UK Export Control laws
- US Export Control laws
- Additional regulatory frameworks
This is a hybrid role, primarily based at our Yeovil facility with a minimum 3 days on-site per week, including UK and potential international travel.
Reporting to: Head of Customs Compliance (Helicopters)
Core Responsibilities
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Business Partnering & Broker Collaboration
- Align and finalise documented processes, including formal declarations and audit oversight with our preferred customs broker.
- Streamline broker accountability, tracking performance via KPIs and implementing effective audit processes.
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Operational Customs Authorisations & Reporting
- Manage licensing credentials (e.g., SCDP, EIDR accounts) through structured procedures.
- Drive import/export efficiencies with nominated brokers for streamlined declarations.
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Process Design & Improvement
- Develop and execute formal roadmaps for process changes tied to business/technical development.
- Optimise response mechanisms to address frontier (border/cross-border) compliance issues.
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Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
- Act as the primary contact for ensuring company-wide alignment with customs regulations.
- Proactively resolve operational queries across departments.
Key Skills & Experience
Educational Level & Licensing Strongly preferred:
- Degree or professional qualification.
- Minimum 5 years in customs compliance audits, licensing, and regulatory oversight.
Technical Expertise Mandatory expertise in:
- Deep knowledge of UK Customs/Export Control laws, investigations, and regulations.
- Leading regulatory audits aligns with government standards.
- Evidence of proactive compliance solutions (PCSC schemes, Brexit transition, etc.).
Soft Skills & Competencies
- Demonstrable negotiation and influencing skills, based on technical authority upfront.
- Delivering credentials-based briefings to stakeholders.
- Managing cross-functional teams and mitigating risks before they escalate.
Other Requirements
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Event organisations: planning, chairing, recording, and follow-up.
- Commitment to continual learning; lack of all requisite experience need not deter submission.
Flexibility Note: While priority is on compliance expertise, a positive attitude and mentoring spirit are equally valued.
Security Clearance
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The role is subject to pre-employment rigorous screening and background checks. You must meet the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) as a minimum. For more specialised security requirements, including National Security Vetting (NSV), check: Leonardo’s Security Policy
Why Join Leonardo?
Leonardo places people first, underpinned by a holistic range of benefits:
Wellbeing & Growth
- Generous leave averaging 12 flexible days annual accrual.
- Top-tier pension contributions (max 15%).
- Comprehensive mental health/family support plus diversity networks.
otional Marketing Opportunities
- Coursera+ 4,000+ courses, including LinkedIn Learning.
- Bonus scheme for eligible board-level + staff.
Flexibility & Incentives
- Hybrid working plus £500 flexible benefits (healthcare, tech gifts, subscriptions).
- Referral bonuses and enriched percents.
About Us
Leonardo is a global leader in aerospace, defence, and security solutions, employing 53,000+ professionals worldwide, including 8,500 across UK sites.
We champion innovation, accessibility, and merit — where pioneering technology meets inclusive workplace values.
If you have accessibility or diversity needs to facilitate recruitment (e.g. disability support), please disclose early in your application.
Applying
Location: GB – Yeovil – Lysander Rd Contract: Permanent, mixed-mode Physical Presence: Agreed flex/hybrid ratio.
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