Job Description
Location: Hybrid (Rugby-based with remote flexibility)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive, based on experience - £28,000 to £41,600 per anum
About our client:
Our client is at the forefront of transforming logistics and data services with drone technology. Through the commercial division, they deliver scalable Drones as a Service (DaaS) for logistics, inspection, and data capture across sectors. With a track record of innovation in BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations and regulatory development, setting the standard for autonomous aviation in the UK.
Role Summary:
Our client is looking for an experienced and confident Compliance Manager to lead and coordinate all compliance related activities across operations. This includes managing regulatory engagement, supporting operational approvals, ensuring ongoing compliance with CAA and governmental regulations, and building their position as a national leader in drone safety and airspace management. This is a key strategic role with room to shape the long-term regulatory roadmap. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of UAS regulations, strong project and stakeholder management skills, and the initiative to build influential relationships with key aviation authorities.
Key Responsibilities:
* Project Management: Lead compliance workstreams across multiple drone operation projects, including medical logistics, inspection, and infrastructure delivery.
* Documentation & Process Oversight: Own and manage safety cases, operations manuals, risk assessments, and ongoing updates to the internal Safety Management System (SMS).
* CAA & Regulatory Liaison: Be the key point of contact with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and other regulatory bodies for VLOS and BVLOS approvals.
* Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate regulatory requirements clearly to clients and partners, supporting their understanding and integration into operational workflows.
* Strategic Representation: Represent at industry events, stakeholder workshops, and working groups to build relationships and influence policy.
* Writing Support: Draft and review technical documents and regulatory applications, contributing to grant submissions and policy reports as needed.
* Compliance Strategy Development: Help define and implement long-term compliance strategies that enable scalable and repeatable drone services across the UK.
Required Experience & Skills:
* Proven experience in UAS regulation, aviation compliance, or airspace operations, preferably in a leadership or senior support role.
* Strong knowledge of UK CAA frameworks, particularly PDRA, OSC, and BVLOS pathways.
* Confident communicator with experience engaging regulators, clients, and cross-sector stakeholders.
* Exceptional written communication and attention to detail in technical documentation.
* Demonstrable project management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet regulatory deadlines.
* Willingness and capability to build new relationships with regulators, government departments, and strategic partners.
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment and contributing to cross- functional project delivery.
Desirable Skills:
* Experience in developing or managing a Safety Management System (SMS) or equivalent aviation safety framework.
* Knowledge of CAA, EASA or international UAS regulations.
* Familiarity with automated flight software, drone telemetry data, or GIS systems.
* Experience influencing policy or contributing to industry consultation processes.
Why Join?
* Be part of a mission-led company shaping the future of autonomous aviation.
* Work on high-impact projects including ESA-funded medical delivery, infrastructure inspection, and security operations.
* Opportunities to lead on national compliance innovation and help shape future airspace regulations.
* Collaborate with a forward-thinking, cross-functional team in a high-growth tech environment.
* Real autonomy, flexible working, and scope to grow into a leadership role.