Head of International Trade Solutions

Job Description

Job Title: Head of International Trade Solutions

Location: Salmesbury, Hybrid, 3 days per week on site

We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role

Salary: £73,000+ (DOE) plus performance bonus and car allowance

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.

Job Description:

In this role, you will lead and develop a team responsible for delivering compliant import and export operations, balancing competing priorities and supporting day-to-day problem solving in a fast-paced environment. You will work closely with stakeholders across the business, providing clear guidance on regulatory requirements and indirect tax considerations, while making informed decisions to protect compliance and operational delivery. You will also communicate confidently with a wide range of audiences, sharing updates and insights at all levels of the organisation.

Core duties:

• Lead and take full accountability for end-to-end import and export operations within International Trade Solutions for the Air business
• Ensure robust governance frameworks are in place to maintain compliance with all legal, regulatory, customer, and internal standards working closely with Group to align with central governance
• Define and drive the ITS strategy, identifying opportunities for improvement based on best practice and evolving business needs
• Manage a team of approximately 50 staff, including a mix of executive, professional, and contractor roles
• Deliver value protection while ensuring efficient and effective indirect tax management
• Proactively monitor the external regulatory landscape, interpreting changes and clearly communicating their implications for BAE Systems

Essential Skills:

• Extensive experience working within a supply chain, import/export, or customs environment
• Effective cross-functional stakeholder management, with experience leading and developing teams
• High level of competence across key areas, including ERP systems, licensing, transport, and logistics

The International Trade Solutions (ITS) team:

The ITS team operates across six hubs, delivering specialist support to the Air business and Maritime KSA, as well as wider corporate functions and programmes. This includes high-profile initiatives such as GCAP, FalconWorks, Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II, alongside the adoption of emerging technologies such as cloud and AI. Working at the forefront of import and export activity, the team plays a key role in enabling global operations. It offers a dynamic and varied environment, where collaboration is central and no two days are the same. The team brings together a broad range of expertise, working collectively to deliver successful outcomes.

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: 13th 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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