Salary: £57,000 up to £67,000 dependent upon experience plus the relevant Market Related Supplement (exact value to be discussed at interview)
Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time
Security Level: BPSS
Base Location: Gatwick – there will be a collaborative approach to office attendance that will be discussed at length during the interview process
Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship
We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.
The Role
To act as the prime subject matter expert within AAA on all policy issues related to instrument flight procedures airspace and as such, to:
* Establish and implement the United Kingdom policies for the provision of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFP) in accordance with the Directions to the CAA from the Department for Transport's including any supporting legislation.
* Inform, initiate, support and/or co-ordinate the development of IFP policies within the CAA
* Ensure IFP policies are developed in compliance with all relevant national and international standards, provisions, and best practices.
* Provide guidance, support and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders as appropriate, including other teams within AAA, Corporate Strategy & Policy, Safety & Business Delivery, International Group, ICAO, Eurocontrol and other key international bodies as appropriate.
* Maintain an appropriate balance of knowledge, skills and qualifications in instrument flight procedure design
* Support the IFP oversight team when required
Core Accountabilities
* Ensure that SARG, and thereby CAA policies remain up to date and where appropriate are in line with national and international standards and guidance.
* Take into account ICAO and EUROCONTROL standards and guidance and propose 'rulemaking' tasks that should be considered within the scope of the Policy Development and Implementation Procedure.
* Maintain AAAs ability to review, formulate and inform policies by providing technical expertise, advice and support to the policy specialists.
* Ensure effective and consistent implementation of CAA policies.
* Ensure new or revised policies deliver high levels of standardisation within the oversight teams, in accordance with SARG Management System procedures and meet the Government's principles regarding the development of regulation and policy.
* Inform and influence a broad range of AAA and wider CAA policy development.
* Engage with, inform and influence other teams within SARG and the wider CAA to ensure multidisciplinary issues are addressed through effective collaborative working.
* Represent the UK at ICAO and EUROCONTROL through membership of appropriate specialist Panels, Groups and Committees.
* Management of information within the SARG Management System and SharePoint
* Capture and readily share safety-relevant intelligence, information and analysis from multiple internal and external sources with all CAA groups.
* Provide support to CAAi contracts as directed. When doing so, ensure the quality and timeliness of the technical outputs meets contract and customer expectations and that time recording/travel expenses are submitted no later than 1 week after the trip has been undertaken.
* Offer timely and appropriate maintenance and updating of CAA webpages and intranet pages
* When requested by the AR management team, assist other areas of the CAA when required.
About You
The job holder will:
* Have, or be required to enhance, formal and recognised training in ICAO PANS-OPS design criteria.
* Extensive knowledge and experience relating to airspace design and instrument flight procedure design.
* Professional credibility to support effective application of previous experience and expertise to novel and potentially contentious policy issues.
* Strong personal and professional standards to ensure proportionate and appropriate development and application of policy.
* Strong interpersonal skills with experience of managing complex projects to support responsibility for leading, coordinating and contributing to multi-disciplinary teams.
* Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
* Demonstrated application of personal values and behaviours that are a role model for the identified values and behaviours of the CAA.
* Have, or be required to acquire through training an in-depth understanding of ARINC Coding principles for use in the coding of PBN IFPs when applied in different aircraft flight management systems (FMS/C).
* Have a good range of negotiating and communications skills and will be fully accomplished in the use of standard desktop publishing IT (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint etc.) with particular emphasis on spreadsheet design and programming in Excel.
* Be required to develop a high level of understanding of the different IFP software packages used by the Approved Procedure Design Organisations/Designers.
* Have a broad understanding of the working of the CAA and external agencies (e.g. NATS Ltd).
* Maintaining a good general knowledge and awareness of technical developments in aviation, with particular emphasis on 3rd party IFP design software and aircraft flight management capabilities. Retaining a high degree of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise/competency in the design of Instrument Flight Procedures as specified in ICAO PANS-OPS and filed National differences. Facilitating internal design process improvements and training where required.
* Maintaining a good working knowledge of aeronautical charts, topographical mapping, and coordinate systems including conversions and projections.
Additionally, a methodical approach to working and attention to detail are vital prerequisites together with an ability to analyse and resolve complex three-dimensional situations. Report writing skills and the ability to manage multiple project deadlines and priorities are essential.
Additional Information
For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.
BPSS - To be vetted you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken.
If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.
For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance
The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.
Relocation & Property
The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years' time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.
We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.
We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028
Inclusive Recruitment
We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.
Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process
We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.
Working With Us
We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.
We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.
We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more
Our Values
Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here
Closing Date: Sunday 1st March 2026
Interview Date: W/C Monday 16th March 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.
No recruitment agencies please.