Associate Director of Global Trade

Associate Director of Global Trade
Wolverhampton

At Safran, excellence is a journey - and we'd love you to be a part of it. As a trusted global leader in aerospace, defence, and space, we are proud to be a company where diversity, innovation, and opportunity come together to shape a sustainable future where we can all succeed together through a shared vision.

Safran Actuation Systems UK is a world‑class centre for the design, manufacture and support of actuation and flight‑control solutions used across commercial, military and rotary platforms. With major sites in Wolverhampton and Banbury, our teams play a critical role in delivering innovative, reliable and safe systems that keep aircraft performing at their best.

Our UK Actuation business brings together engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing capability and a proud heritage within the aerospace sector. Whether supporting major global programmes or developing the next generation of actuation technologies, our people are at the heart of everything we do.

Your Role

This is a global leadership role, responsible for the development and execution of the organisation's global trade compliance strategy, ensuring adherence to international import/ export regulations, customs requirements, and sanctions programmes.

Partner with senior business leaders to support growth objectives while mitigating trade-related risks across multiple jurisdictions. Drive operational excellence through process standardisation, automation, and duty optimisation initiatives, while providing strategic leadership, guidance, and expertise on evolving global trade regulations.

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense is an international company with more than 19,000 employees who bring together expertise and team spirit to design high-technology solutions for the aerospace, defense and space sectors. By combining human and technological intelligence, the company develops products and services for both civil and military customers, operating on land, at sea, in the air and in space.

* Develop and implement the global trade compliance strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans.
* Act as the interface between Safran Actuation Systems and Safran Group SLT on international trade regulations, sanctions, and compliance risks.
* Lead, coach, and develop a globally dispersed, high-performing team of trade compliance professionals
* Ensure compliance with import/export laws, customs regulations, and trade controls across global operations.
* Lead trade compliance audits, investigations, risk assessments, and corrective action programmes.
* Manage relationships with customs authorities, brokers, and regulatory agencies to support compliant operations.
* Drive standardisation, automation, and continuous improvement of global trade compliance processes.
* Support supply chain efficiency

What You'll Bring

* Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Supply Chain, Law, or related field (Master's preferred).
* 10+ years of progressive experience in global trade, customs, or compliance, ideally in a multinational corporation within aerospace or defence sectors
* Strong knowledge of import/export regulations, sanctions, and trade compliance frameworks (e.g., EAR, ITAR, OFAC, EU and UK regulations).
* Proven track record of managing global trade compliance programs and interacting with regulatory authorities.
* Capable of leading a remote team of 20+ highly-capable Trade Compliance professionals across Europe and the US
* Exceptional leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
* Professional certifications (e.g., LCB, CCS, or equivalent) are a plus.

At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.

We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role. Please let us know if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation