Director Airspace & Air Traffic Management Infrastructure

Salary: Up to £190,000 per annum dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: SC

Base Location: Gatwick

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 CAA has engaged with an executive search partner, Odgers to work on its behalf to fulfil its search for a Director of Airspace, Air Traffic Management Infrastructure.

All applications MUST be made directly to Odgers using the below link:

Opportunities | Odgers

Applications made directly to the CAA will not be considered.

The Role

Following separation from National Air Traffic Services in 2001, the Civil Aviation Authority is now the UK’s independent aviation regulator, with all civil aviation regulatory functions (economic regulation, airspace policy, safety regulation, consumer protection and aviation security regulation) being integrated within a single specialist body.

We are seeking to appoint a Director Airspace & Air Traffic Management Infrastructure (DAATMI) who will, in accordance with the CAA’s Strategic Plan, values and behaviours, lead and direct the newly created Airspace and Air Traffic Management (ATM) Infrastructure Team, to ensure that safety risks are managed effectively by the industry and airspace statutory duties are discharged and to enable the safe and efficient use of airspace by all users.

Reporting to the Group Director, Safety & Airspace Regulation Group and as a peer to both the FSI and Safety Operations Directors, the DAATMI will lead and oversee the development, maintenance and implementation of a UK Airspace Modernisation Strategy, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. A key member of the CAA Executive Committee (ExCo), the DAATMI will collaborate with other ExCo members to support the Chief Executive to ensure the CAA delivers its overall strategy, in line with developing and implementing the UK CAA strategy for Airspace and ATM Infrastructure. 

Person Specification

• In this senior leadership role, knowledge of the global aviation sector at a senior operational level within airspace or air traffic management and exposure to new technology is essential.
• With the required technical knowledge and gravitas, a demonstrable track record of implementing complex regulatory frameworks and developing new innovative regulatory frameworks is required.
• With an ambassadorial and collaborative style, diplomacy and tact are essential, as well as being politically aware and sensitive to new and existing users, and stakeholder variances and needs.
• A confident and articulate subject matter expert who demonstrates the ability for long term planning in an environment that is ever evolving, to ensure future safety matters are anticipated and planned for.
• Energetic and hands-on, able to develop and embed a team culture that is delivery focused on transformation, while also creating a climate of creativity, positive energy and trust.
• Strategic thinker who is able to think outside the box, with an innovative and visionary mindset, while also conscious of the need to take care of the details to mitigate safety risks.
• With first class decision making and influencing skills, the ability to make clear decisions and solve complex problems is essential.

Additional Information Security 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.

In order to conduct meaningful background checks, candidates who do not initially meet standard screening requirements may be asked to provide further information.

For more information on SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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 April 26th April 2026

Additional interview information can be obtained from Odgers directly.