Inspecting Officer (Operations)

Salary: Up to £39,800 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: CTC

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

We are looking for an Inspecting Officer (Operations) to join our Flight Operations team, which is an integral part of the established and world-renowned Safety & Airspace Regulation Group (SARG).

Your core task will be to verify the continued compliance and safety performance of fixed-wing and helicopter operators through a programme of on-site and desktop audits and inspections. You will primarily monitor compliance with the national safety regulations related to the following areas:

• Safety management systems
• Compliance monitoring systems
• Flight time limitations and fatigue management
• Flight planning and preparation
• Flight and cabin crew training
• Company operations manuals

You will be required to communicate findings to senior management and assess the effectiveness of the corrective and preventative actions provided to adequately eliminate the potential for future recurrence. Where required, you will conduct follow up audits to verify the effectiveness of corrective action taken by the operator.

About You

This role is best suited to an individual that works well within a team, has an eye for detail, and can communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats. It comes with a high level of responsibility and requires a dedication to self-development and an ability to take initiative.

Whilst we will provide theory and practical training to complement your personal attributes, it would be beneficial if you already possess the following:

• An understanding of the primary functions of the CAA and the role of Flight Operations
• General knowledge of the regulatory framework relating to air operations
• Knowledge and experience of the aeroplane and/or helicopter operational environment
• Practical experience of auditing processes and/or safety risk management processes

Please be prepared to discuss these if invited to interview.

What Can We Offer You?

This role will expose you to the diversities of the aviation industry and will enhance your technical and personal abilities. We will support you when you need to make important decisions but will also encourage you to make suggestions on the best course of action and empower you to take immediate action when required.

As you develop in role, your scope of activity will grow even further, presenting greater opportunities for development and progression if desired. Wherever possible, we will use your skills to support additional activities such as training for CAA International, policy and rulemaking, procedure development, and supporting international partnerships.

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.

CTC - To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 3 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on CTC 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.

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 7th December 2025

Interview Date: W/C Monday 15th December 2025 or Monday 5th January 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.