Head of Export Controls

Job Description

Job Title: Head of Export Control

Location: Frimley – UK flexible – Hybrid working

Salary: Circa £100,000 dependent on skills and experiences + executive package

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Role description:

This role leads the Digital Intelligence (DI) Export Control team, with responsibility for overseeing how export control obligations are understood, interpreted, and implemented across the sector. Reporting to the DI Chief Counsel, the role provides expert guidance and leadership to support compliant, informed decision‑making across complex activities.

The role ensures adherence to company export control policies and procedures, as well as all applicable export control laws and regulations. This includes embedding compliance into day‑to‑day operations, advising stakeholders, and supporting effective risk management across the organisation.

Core duties:

• Acting as a trusted specialist adviser, supporting good business performance in a critical compliance area
• Delivering high‑quality, timely, and clear advice, including effective training and guidance for stakeholders
• Proactively developing, implementing, and continuously improving Export Control policies, procedures, and processes
• Contributing to, and collaborating within, the wider BAE Systems Group Export Control community (UK, EU, US)
• Leading a team of five Export Control professionals on a range of key activities including licencing, investigations, audits, governance and compliance.
• Maintaining effective, constructive engagement with government regulators

Essential skills:

• Proven experience managing Export Control compliance within large, complex organisations
• Extensive practical knowledge of Export Controls, ideally within defence, technology, or security environments
• Experience supporting export‑led growth in fast‑paced, evolving business environments
• Considerable expertise designing and implementing export control systems across Engineering, HR, Supply Chain, Security, and IM&T
• Demonstrated experience engaging effectively with regulators and regulatory audits
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high‑performing export control team, with excellent communication skills

About Digital Intelligence

BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is home to 4,500 digital, cyber and intelligence experts. We work collaboratively with customers in the UK and across the world to collect, connect and understand complex data, so that governments, nation states, armed forces and commercial businesses can unlock digital advantage in the most demanding environments.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 11th May 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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