Trade Compliance Manager

Are you ready to revolutionise the world with TEKEVER?

At TEKEVER, we lead innovation in Europe as the European leader in unmanned technology, where cutting-edge advancements meet unparalleled innovation.

Digital | Defence | Security | Space

We operate across four strategic areas, combining artificial intelligence, systems engineering, data science, and aerospace technology to tackle global challenges — from protecting people and critical infrastructure to exploring space.

We offer a unique surveillance-as-a-service solution that delivers real-time intelligence, enhancing maritime safety and saving lives. Our products and services support strategic and operational decisions in the most demanding environments — whether at sea, on land, in space, or in cyberspace.

Become part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and mission-driven team that is transforming maritime surveillance and redefining global safety standards.

At TEKEVER, our mission is to provide limitless support through mission-oriented game-changers, delivering the right information at the right time to empower critical decision-making.

If you're passionate about technology and eager to shape the future — TEKEVER is the place for you.

Mission:

The Trade Compliance Manager is responsible for establishing, leading, and maintaining Tekever’s end-to-end trade compliance framework in support of its UK and international supply chain, R&D, and manufacturing operations.

Working in close partnership with the Supply Chain team and indirectly with the company’s Portuguese centralised trade compliance team, this role ensures that all procurement, movement, storage, and transfer of goods, software, and technical data comply with applicable UK, EU, US, and international trade regulations, including ITAR and EAR.

You will act as the UK organisation’s subject matter expert on import/export compliance, providing clear, pragmatic guidance, to enable compliant sourcing, supplier engagement, and global operations.

This role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight, ensuring robust, auditable processes are embedded across procurement and supply chain activities, while enabling pace and flexibility required for manufacturing and R&D.

Key Responsibilities

Trade Compliance Leadership & Business Partnering

• Act as the lead authority on trade compliance, advising Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Commercial teams on regulatory obligations and risk.

• Partner closely with the Head of Supply Chain and Head of Commercial to ensure:

  • Compliant sourcing of components and assemblies

  • Appropriate controls over international suppliers

  • Integration of compliance into procurement processes

  • Timely communicate restrictions and timescales to inform good procurement decisions

• Provide practical, risk-based guidance to support business growth while maintaining full compliance.

Import & Export Compliance Management

• Oversee all import and export activities related to direct materials, components, and technology.

• Ensure compliance with:

  • UK Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) regulations

  • EU dual-use regulations

  • US ITAR and EAR requirements

  • International sanctions and embargo regimes

• Classify goods, software, and technology (e.g. dual-use, military, controlled items).

• Determine and manage export licence requirements, including:

  • Permanent and temporary exports

  • Re-exports and intra-company transfers

• Ensure accurate customs declarations, documentation, and record keeping.

Controlled Goods, Technology & Data Management

• Support defining and maintaining of processes governing:

  • Storage of controlled goods and materials

  • Secure handling of export-controlled data and technical information

  • Movement of goods and technology between sites and countries

• Establish controls for transfer to third parties, including suppliers, partners, and customers.

• Ensure strict adherence to usage restrictions, re-export limitations, and access controls, including nationality-based restrictions where applicable.

End User & End Use Compliance

• Lead the management of:

  • End User Certificates (EUCs)

  • End-use declarations and compliance validation

• Conduct denied party screening and sanctions checks across customers, suppliers, and partners.

• Embed processes to ensure ongoing monitoring of end-user risk and compliance status.

Policies, Processes & Governance

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve trade compliance policies, procedures, and controls aligned to direct procurement and supply chain workflows.

• Ensure compliance is embedded into:

  • Supplier onboarding and qualification

  • Procurement processes (RFQs, contracts, POs)

  • Engineering and product lifecycle activities

• Maintain robust audit trails and documentation to support regulatory requirements.

• Lead and support internal and external compliance audits.

Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver trade compliance training programmes tailored to:

  • Procurement teams

  • Engineering and R&D

  • Logistics and operations

• Drive awareness of responsibilities related to controlled goods, data handling, and exports.

What You’ll Bring

Essential

• At least 3 years experience in trade compliance, export controls, or international trade, within a regulated industry (e.g. aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing, electronics).

• Deep working knowledge of:

  • ITAR and EAR regulations

  • UK and EU export control frameworks

  • Sanctions and restricted party regimes

• Proven track record of designing and implementing trade compliance frameworks and processes.

• Experience supporting procurement and supply chain operations involving controlled goods and global suppliers.

• Strong understanding of end-user controls, EUCs, licensing, and classification processes.

• Ability to influence stakeholders and provide clear, actionable compliance advice in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience working directly with engineering and manufacturing teams in R&D or production environments.

• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and integration of compliance controls into procurement workflows.

• Experience supporting scaled production or international programme delivery.

• Knowledge of data security and cyber controls related to export-controlled information.

• Professional certification in trade compliance or export control disciplines.

What we have to offer you:

• An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference.

• Salary commensurate with level of experience.

• Company pension contribution matched up to 10%.

• 25 days annual holiday + 8 Bank holidays.

• Medical Insurance.

• Dental Insurance.

• Salary sacrifice initiatives (EV Scheme, Cycle 2 Work, Tech Scheme)

• Discretionary annual company bonus.

Do you want to know more about us ?

Visit our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tekever/

Do you want to know more about us ?

Visit our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/tekever/