Head of Legal & Compliance - Edgewing

Job Title: Head of Legal & Compliance (Edgewing)

Location: Warton. There is a Hybrid Working Policy in place at Edgewing – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this role.

Salary: £93,000+ DOE

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:

To lead and oversee the Global Site’s Legal and Compliance function, ensuring effective legal and support robust governance framework aligned with business objectives and applicable laws and regulations. The role is responsible for legal affairs, ethics and compliance, intellectual property, trade control & data protection providing strategic advice, managing legal and regulatory risks and promoting a culture of integrity, accountability and compliance across the organisation. The role ensures the effective alignment and harmonisation of the local legal, compliance, IP, Trade Control and regulatory framework with the policies, standards and governance requirements established by the HQ and other international affiliates, while ensuring compliance with local legal obligations.

Core duties:

• Operate as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the execution of UK GlobalSite's business strategy and the delivery of customer outcomes, while providing leadership and accountability for the Legal and Compliance function across the organisation
• Ensure general legal assistance and advice to UK GlobalSite in coordination with other relevant departments where necessary, including the selection, instruction and supervision of external law firms in UK (and other countries where necessary) as required
• Liaise with HQ functions to drive a consistent and integrated approach, overseeing compliance programmes, risk management, governance, investigations, and due diligence activities to ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements. Collaborate with the Head of Compliance, Ethics and Data Protection at HQ to implement the local Code of Governance and maintain an effective governance framework
• Assist the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer (CLCO), Head of Intellectual Property (IP) at HQ, and the UK GlobalSite General Manager (GM) and IP Manager in protecting and managing the company's intellectual property assets, mitigating IP-related risks, and ensuring compliance with applicable intellectual property laws and regulations
• Oversee compliance with national and international trade control regulations, working with the Chief Legal & Compliance Officer (CLCO) and Head of Trade Control at HQ to implement a robust trade compliance programme. Lead GlobalSite Trade Control Managers and ensure effective governance, training, investigations, assurance, material handling, screening, sanctions monitoring, and compliance with national and US export licensing requirements

Essential Skills:

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister
• Extensive experience providing legal advice and support within either a leading private practice law firm or an in-house corporate legal environment
• Broad legal, Compliance & Data Protection knowledge and expertise in particular in International Contracts, Corporate Affairs, Compliance and Data Protection matters

The Edgewing Team

By joining Edgewing, you will have a unique opportunity to help shape the company from the ground up — setting the foundations for generations to come, influencing how we work, and helping us build something world-class together. At Edgewing, we're united by a shared purpose to drive what’s next in defence - uniting UK, Italian, and Japanese expertise to shape the future of global defence. With trust at the heart of everything we do, we empower our people to dare to go beyond, bring their best as one, and leave a mark that matters on a truly global mission, making a lasting impact through work that truly matters.

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.

*Due to the sensitive nature of the programme and role, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain enhanced security checks.

Closing Date: 22nd October 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.