Import and Export Compliance Specialist

Import and Export Compliance Specialist

York, North Yorkshire YO1 On‑site (with hybrid working available after probation)
Hours: Full‑time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £40,527 basic - £43,700 per annum including annual 8% bonus

The Opportunity

Hawk 3 Talent Solutions have an exciting opportunity for an Import and Export Compliance Specialist to join a growing organisation within the defence manufacturing sector based in York, North Yorkshire. This is a newly created role, developed as a result of business growth, bringing together responsibilities that were previously shared across multiple teams.

This position plays a key role in developing and managing import and export compliance activities, ensuring adherence to UK and international trade regulations and supporting business operations end‑to‑end from sales through to despatch.

Working Pattern

Flexible start and finish times between 7:00am–9:00am and 3:00pm–5:00pm
On‑site role during the initial 6‑month probation due to training and relationship‑building requirements
Hybrid working available post‑probation
The hiring manager is based in the United States, so applicants must be comfortable working independently and collaborating across UK and US time zones.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain import/export systems and processes to meet regulatory and business requirements
Manage export licences, including Standard and Open General (OGEL) licences, covering military and dual‑use technologies
Oversee import and export documentation, including customs declarations, bills of lading, and licences
Coordinate with internal teams such as Sales, Engineering, Production, Purchasing, Logistics and Finance
Work closely with suppliers, freight forwarders, brokers, customs officials and regulatory bodies
Complete internal and external audits, HMRC compliance reporting and maintain compliance registers
Classify products, research regulatory requirements and support shipment clearance activities
Maintain and manage compliance systems and escalation processes
Provide compliance training and guidance to employees
Keep up to date with international trade regulations and complete ongoing CPD
About You

Essential:

Experience in a similar compliance or import/export role
Strong knowledge of UK legal and regulatory requirements, including export controls, REACH and RoHS
Experience conducting audits, managing documentation, data analysis and report writing
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively across functions while managing priorities independently
Desirable:

Experience within a manufacturing or defence‑related environment
Familiarity with ERP systems
Relevant degree or compliance‑related certification
Security & Eligibility Requirements

Due to the nature of the role, candidates must:

Be a UK or NATO citizen with the right to work in the UK
Be comfortable working within the defence industry
Be willing to sign the Official Secrets Act
Successfully complete BPSS clearance
Benefits

Competitive salary of £40,527
8% bonus potential
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Free on‑site parking
Pension scheme: Employee 5%, Employer 3%
Company events
If you would like to apply for the role of Import and Export Compliance Specialist then please email your CV to    or call Deb on (phone number removed)

Closing date is 15.5.2026 Please note this could change subject to suitable applications.

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Hawk 3 Talent Solutions are committed to the selection, recruitment and development of the best people, basing judgements solely on suitability for the job. Whilst we endeavour to respond to all applications individually, due to high volumes, this is not always possible. Thank you for your interest in this role and we look forward to working with you in the future