What's Happening?
BAE Systems, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the international defense, aerospace, and security company BAE Systems plc, is actively recruiting for a Senior Manager, Global Trade. This hybrid role, with multiple available locations including Arlington, VA,
Nashua, NH, Austin, TX, Cedar Rapids, IA, and Endicott, NY, is critical for ensuring compliance with U.S. export and import laws and regulations. The selected individual will lead a team of Global Trade analysts and serve as a designated 'empowered official' under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Responsibilities include overseeing license and agreement applications, providing guidance on various global trade matters, analyzing proposals and contracts for compliance, and conducting internal audits. The role emphasizes deep knowledge of ITAR and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), along with strong leadership and communication skills. This position is central to maintaining the company's adherence to federal government regulations such as those from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR).
Why It's Important?
This hiring initiative by BAE Systems, Inc. underscores the critical importance of robust global trade compliance within the U.S. defense and aerospace industry. The Senior Manager role is vital for navigating the complex landscape of international trade laws, particularly ITAR and EAR, which govern the export of defense-related articles and services. Non-compliance can lead to significant legal penalties, financial repercussions, and reputational damage for defense contractors. By strengthening its global trade department, BAE Systems aims to mitigate these risks, ensuring the smooth flow of its defense products and technologies to authorized entities while safeguarding national security interests. The role's focus on leading a team and providing expert guidance highlights the company's commitment to fostering a culture of compliance and expertise in a highly regulated sector. This position directly impacts the company's ability to secure and execute U.S. defense projects and maintain its operational integrity.
What's Next?
The recruitment process for the Senior Manager, Global Trade position will continue until a qualified candidate pool is identified and the role is filled. Once onboard, the new Senior Manager will be tasked with immediately overseeing the implementation and management of export/import compliance programs within the Aerospace & Mission Systems (AMS) Business Area. This will involve working closely with various internal stakeholders, including business area leaders and the Director of Global Trade, to address and resolve any emerging export/import issues. The individual will also be responsible for ongoing training of relevant employees and maintaining meticulous record-keeping functions as required by law. Future activities will include continuous monitoring of regulatory changes in ITAR, EAR, CBP, and FTR to ensure BAE Systems, Inc. remains at the forefront of compliance, adapting its strategies and processes as needed to meet evolving legal requirements and industry standards.
Beyond the Headlines
The emphasis on a Senior Manager for Global Trade at BAE Systems, Inc. reflects a broader trend in the U.S. defense industry towards heightened scrutiny and enforcement of export control regulations. Companies operating in this sector face increasing pressure to demonstrate rigorous compliance, not only to avoid penalties but also to maintain eligibility for government contracts. This role signifies the strategic importance of trade compliance as a core business function, moving beyond a purely legal or administrative task to a critical component of operational success and risk management. The need for an 'empowered official' highlights the personal accountability and specialized expertise required to navigate these regulations. Furthermore, the hybrid nature of the role and multiple location options suggest a modern approach to talent acquisition, aiming to attract top-tier professionals who can contribute to national security objectives while benefiting from flexible work arrangements.
