Head of Sustainability Impact & Government Relations
Join to apply for the Head of Sustainability Impact & Government Relations role at Civil Aviation Authority
Salary: £70,094 up to £90,000 dependent upon experience
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
Security Level: BPSS
Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
The CAA is the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and leads in safety. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet high safety standards, and we adapt to the evolving aviation environment.
The Role
We are seeking a proactive and strategically minded individual to join the CAA as our Head of Sustainability Impact and Government relations.
This role is responsible for ensuring that the CAA’s sustainability work delivers measurable and meaningful impact both internally and externally—through effective policy influence, government and industry collaboration, and international representation. The postholder will be a senior leader responsible for maximising the visibility, relevance, and effectiveness of the CAA’s sustainability efforts across UK government, international regulatory bodies, and the aviation sector.
This role requires building and leveraging strategic networks across government and industry to drive forward the CAA’s sustainability strategy and goals. You will be accountable for identifying key decision-makers, building strong cross-government and industry networks, and delivering evidence-based arguments for change (working with environment reporting and research functions).
* Impact Delivery and Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and delivery of an impact strategy for the CAA’s sustainability agenda, aligned with organisational goals.
* Oversee the definition, tracking, and communication of impact metrics and outcomes, ensuring activities contribute to real-world change in aviation policy and practice.
* Embed impact thinking into sustainability programmes, policies, and initiatives across internal teams.
* Government Relations and Policy Influence: Develop and execute a targeted sustainability government engagement strategy, identifying key individuals, departments (e.g. DfT, DEFRA, DESNZ, HMT), and policy moments to influence.
* Collaborate with the international team and Chief Technical Noise Advisor to contribute to global environmental standards and policies through international sustainability forums (e.g. ICAO, EASA, NAAs).
* Provide high-quality, evidence-based briefings and policy advice to government, and represent the CAA as a credible advisor to senior civil servants, special advisors, and ministers on sustainability in aviation.
* Industry Stakeholder Relations: Develop strategic partnerships with airports, airlines, manufacturers, and trade bodies to communicate CAA priorities and enable collaboration.
* Cross-CAA Coordination: Lead a small team and coordinate with internal policy, strategy, and communications teams to ensure a unified voice on sustainability issues.
About You
* Strong experience in government engagement, public affairs, or policy within a governmental and aviation context, with credibility with senior civil servants, special advisors, and ministers.
* Proven track record of shaping and influencing policy and legislation, nationally and internationally.
* Demonstrable leadership in strategy and impact delivery, with the ability to develop and communicate measurable sustainability outcomes aligned to organisational goals.
* Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills; able to translate complex concepts into accessible messaging.
* Strategic thinking, political awareness, and sound judgment to spot policy opportunities, risks, and influence points.
* Excellent understanding of UK government structures and departments (e.g. DfT, DEFRA, DESNZ, HMT) and international aviation bodies (ICAO, EASA, NAAs).
* Strong understanding of sustainability challenges in aviation or the ability to rapidly develop subject matter expertise.
* Proactive and diplomatic approach with strong relationship-building across stakeholders, including industry.
* Team leadership and collaboration experience across internal departments (e.g. strategy, policy, communications).
Additional Information
National Security Vetting is required for this role. You must have the right to work in the UK.
If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.
BPSS clearance information is available.
The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.
Relocation & Property
The CAA will relocate to new premises in the coming years. The move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations. We will relocate within a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, and expect the move to be completed by 2028.
Inclusive Recruitment
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all backgrounds. As part of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants meeting the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview. Please let us know if you require an adjustment.
Working With Us
We offer hybrid working and flexible patterns. We provide benefits such as flexible working, onsite gym at Gatwick, pension, and leave allowances.
Our Values
Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone.
Closing Date: 5 November 2025
Interview Date: w/c 10 November 2025
No recruitment agencies please.
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