Director, Export Controls & Trade Compliance

Overview

Are you a highly experienced, intelligent, and ambitious export controls leader seeking a role with genuine executive influence and the potential for equity ownership?

We are looking for a senior hire to support and complement our existing Directors as client demand and project volume increase. You will take ownership of complex advisory engagements and act as a senior point of contact for clients. In addition you will play a direct role in building the business, setting strategy, and participating in the firm's management. We are looking for a strong commercial mindset, intellectual curiosity, and the drive to shape the business’ strategic direction.

• Executive Leadership: Actively participate in the management, resourcing, and strategic planning for the export controls practice, working closely with other Directors.
• Business Building: Identify and pursue opportunities for service expansion, lead high-impact pitches and proposals, and drive the overall growth of the trade compliance offering.
• Advisory Excellence: Lead and oversee export controls and trade compliance advisory projects, providing strategic advice on UK, US (ITAR/EAR), EU, and other global trade control regimes.
• Client Relationships: Act as the senior, trusted point of contact, building and maintaining long-term, high-value client relationships. Oversee and quality-assure project outputs and client deliverables.
• Team Development: Mentor and support the professional growth of junior consultants, ensuring the highest quality of project delivery and client outputs. Contribute to proposals, pitches, and client presentations.
• Thought Leadership: Lead external commentary and publish authoritative insights on evolving international trade policy and controls.

We are looking for seasoned professionals with a minimum of 10 years of experience who possess a dynamic blend of technical mastery, commercial awareness, and leadership enthusiasm.

Essential

Qualifications:

• Experience: 10+ years' experience in export controls and international trade, with 5+ years in a consulting or advisory capacity.
• Technical Expertise: Strong, demonstrable expertise in UK export controls and US ITAR/EAR.
• Project Leadership: Proven experience leading and delivering complex consulting projects for demanding clients.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication, coupled with excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills.
• Mindset: A commercial, solution-focused, and intelligent approach to problem-solving.

• Broader experience across customs, tariffs, origin, or Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
• Knowledge of global regulatory environments (EU, US, APAC).
• Relevant trade compliance or customs qualifications.
• Experience of using SPIRE/LITE/SNAP-R

• Access to equity
• Full-time role
• Exposure to a wide range of clients/sectors
• Potential for growth in a highly skilled team
• Extensive responsibility and development opportunities
• Dynamic, professional working environment

• £80k-£115k + bonus, depending on experience
• Significant equity/options
• Healthcare and pension benefits
• Hybrid working (London HQ, on-site and at home)
• Flexible arrangements and culture
• Maternity/paternity benefits

If you want to apply:

We would love to hear from you. Please send a CV and covering letter to