Head of Customs Compliance, Helicopters UK

Overview

In this role you lead the UK Customs Compliance strategy for the Helicopters division, ensuring alignment with UK and US export control laws and internal policies. You partner with cross-functional teams to manage regulatory risk, audits, and training, while acting as the main point of contact for new products and contracts. You will drive compliance programmes, support central audits, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. This is a high-impact role within Leonardo’s Trade Compliance Function, with hybrid working and on-site presence at Yeovil. You’ll shape how the business stays compliant as it grows and internationalizes.

Pay / Benefits

• flexible/home working
• pension scheme with employer contribution
• wellbeing support and mental health resources
• Coursera and LinkedIn Learning access
• referral bonus program
• flexible benefits including private healthcare and discounts

Responsibilities

• Execute central UK Customs Compliance strategy
• Lead business partnering within the Helicopters division and chair the operational steerco
• Manage escalated customs queries and HMRC discussions at unit level
• Ensure adherence to UK customs regulations and internal policies; identify and mitigate division risks
• Implement the customs compliance roadmap aligned with company objectives
• Support central customs audits and perform internal compliance checks
• Deliver customs training for divisional stakeholders

Key requirements

• Degree or professional qualification in a relevant field
• At least 5 years of demonstrable UK customs, licensing and audit experience
• In-depth knowledge of UK Customs and UK Export Control laws and regulations
• Prior involvement in regulatory audits
• Strong interpersonal/influencing skills for decision-making
• Presentation skills to deliver training
• Proficient with Microsoft Office

• Interpersonal and influencing skills
• Problem solving and negotiation
• Independent decision-making
• UK Customs and licensing
• UK Export Control laws and regulations
• Regulatory audits

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