IT Director

Job Description
This role can be remote.

The IT Director for Global Trade Compliance is a senior technology leader responsible for designing, delivering, and sustaining enterprise capabilities that support export controls, authorization workflows, data integrity, regulatory compliance, and digital modernization across the Global Trade value stream. This leader partners closely with business executives, Legal, Compliance, Cybersecurity, Architecture, Enterprise Applications, and Integration Services to ensure BAE Systems’ global trade processes are secure, scalable, and aligned with regulatory obligations.

This role requires exceptional leadership, strong technical acumen, deep understanding of export‑related systems, and the ability to influence and execute in a complex, matrixed environment.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Own and communicate the long‑term technical vision and roadmap for Global Trade Compliance systems and data, consistent with enterprise architecture principles.
• Align technology solutions to business goals, Consent Agreement obligations, data governance expectations, and regulatory frameworks including ITAR, EAR, DFARS, CMMC, and GT modernization requirements.
• Serve as the IT Product Owner for Global Trade systems, including export management systems, authorization workflow tools (e.g., Appian), and related data pipelines.
• Lead a cross‑functional product team covering business analysis, configuration, testing, production support, integration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure reliable system operations, strong service health, SLA adherence, and rapid issue response.
• Maintain strict compliance with enterprise policies, cybersecurity standards, classification requirements, and data handling protocols for export‑controlled data.
• Partner with BRMs, Legal, Global Trade leadership, and functional SMEs to define problem statements, clarify requirements, and prioritize initiatives.
• Drive adoption of AI, automation, and analytics capabilities for the GT value stream.
• Manage relationships with critical vendors, ensure contract performance, resolve escalations, and enforce quality and delivery standards.
• Oversee escalation management, RCA processes, and service resilience improvements.
• Drive KPIs, analytics, dashboard visibility, and readiness reporting for leadership.

Competencies

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including communication, facilitation, and negotiation.
• Ability to translate business needs into technical strategies and actionable roadmaps.
• Proven ability to influence across matrixed organizations and build trusted partnerships.
• Analytical mindset with an ability to balance long-term strategy and short-term operational needs.
• Practical decision-making approach with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Familiarity with modern software development practices, program management, and technical engineering environments.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 12+ years of progressive IT leadership experience in enterprise systems, service ownership, application lifecycle management, or compliance‑related technologies.
• Experience supporting legal, export, or compliance systems, including EMS or similar tools.
• Demonstrated ability to execute technology plans and support export and compliance operations

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Strong history of leading enterprise system sustainment and application lifecycle management.
• Background in Global Trade, export control systems, or regulated data workflows.
• Ability to communicate technical and non-technical concepts clearly to executives.
• Leadership experience building teams, developing talent, and fostering a culture of excellence.

#LI-DM2
#LI-Remote

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $153377 - $260743

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.