The Company
Airbus is a global leader in aerospace, defence, and related services. With over five decades of experience, the company has earned a reputation for technological innovation, operational excellence, and international collaboration. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus employs more than 130,000 people and operates across commercial aviation, helicopters, defence, and space.
Though a full introduction is hardly needed, Airbus’ scale, complexity and global reach make it a unique environment for professionals seeking to lead strategic initiatives at the highest level. This position sits within the Ethics & Compliance function and offers a rare opportunity to drive group-wide export control excellence across all Airbus divisions.
The Opportunity
Airbus is seeking a seasoned and forward-thinking professional to lead its Export Control Program Office as Head of Export Control Program Office, based in Toulouse.
This is a senior leadership role reporting to the Head of Ethics & Compliance Programs. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, deploying and overseeing the Export Control policies, processes and tools that enable Airbus to remain compliant with international trade regulations while supporting global business operations. The role involves working closely with regulatory authorities, divisional stakeholders, and cross-functional teams, including managing a team of 16 Export Control and Sanctions professionals based primarily in Airbus’ home countries.
Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing the development and implementation of Airbus’ Export Control Program, ensuring alignment with EU, US, UK, and other national regulations.
- Designing, updating, and deploying Export Control policies, directives and guidance, including group-wide approaches to data classification and ITAR management.
- Leading the Export Control classification strategy across divisions.
- Managing a network of Export Control Points of Contact (EPoC) to support business units and subsidiaries.
- Setting the strategy for Export Control training and deploying it across Airbus via classroom, e-learning and digital formats.
- Advising on embargoes, sanctions, third-party risks, and regulatory updates across the group.
- Coordinating the roadmap and remediation plans related to voluntary disclosures or regulatory findings.
- Leading Export Control work on strategic transactions (e.g. joint ventures, M&A).
- Supporting external audits, voluntary disclosures, and governmental engagement on compliance matters.
- Rolling out digital tools and solutions that support operational efficiency and policy adherence.
The Candidate
Airbus is looking for an experienced Export Control leader with a strong sense of ethics, sound judgement, and the ability to work across complex international environments. The ideal candidate will be both technically proficient and an effective team manager, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and shape strategic direction.
Knowledge
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in international trade, law, compliance, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Export Control and Sanctions compliance, ideally within the aerospace, defence, or high-tech sectors.
- In-depth knowledge of U.S. Export Control regulations (ITAR and EAR); familiarity with EU, UK and other international regimes is highly desirable.
- Fluency in both English and French is required.
Capabilities
- Proven track record of leading diverse, international teams.
- Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage credibly at senior levels.
- High integrity, sound judgement and the ability to handle sensitive and complex matters with discretion.
- Strategic thinking, operational excellence, and a pragmatic, solution-focused approach.
- Experience managing cross-border compliance risks, including regulatory engagement and investigations.
Nice to Have
- Experience in the aerospace or defense sectors.
- Familiarity with digital compliance tools and data classification technologies.
- Experience working across joint ventures, M&A or restructuring initiatives.
This position is based at Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse, France.
