Inspector ATS (Operations)

Salary: up to £61,000 dependent upon experience + £37,776 Market Related Supplement (MRS).

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Security Level: CTC

Location: Gatwick, Manchester or Stirling – min 40% office attendance per month.

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

Closing Date: 23rd July 2026

Interview Date: 18th and 19th August 2026

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

The post holder is accountable to the Principal Inspector ATM for the regulatory oversight of ATM arrangements at allocated ANSPs / designated sites and in so doing, discharging the obligations devolved to the CAA by the UK Government under the terms of relevant UK legislation (including the UK Air Navigation Order) and applicable international legislation, standards and recommended practices.

Core Accountabilities

 The post holder is accountable to Principal Inspector ATM for:

• The planning and conduct of audits and inspections as part of a programme of effective regulatory oversight of ANSPs and ATS Providers (as allocated) in accordance with the requirements of applicable UK legislation, and the UK ANO (as amended).
• Contributing to the Performance Based Oversight process as Technical Specialist for allocated Entities to ensure shared intelligence on industry performance is available to support regulatory oversight on the basis of safety performance and in accordance with the principles and practices of Better Regulation.
• The assessment of competence of licensed operational staff at allocated ANSPs / ATS Units for the renewal or issue of ATS licences, ratings and associated endorsements as required.
• Working collaboratively with others to achieve the goals of AAA by achieving performance objectives agreed with the Principal Inspector ATM within the timescales specified.
• Participating effectively (in a technical expert role) in discussions on matters of regulatory policy and procedures.
• Deputising as required for the Principal Inspector ATM.
• Contributing to the cost-effective provision of safety regulation by operating within the constraints of the T&RE expenditure budget.
• Co-operating with other functional areas of AAA or SARG (and on occasion with external organisations, other regulators and government) to achieve optimum safety regulation.
• Assisting (where technical expertise is required) in the incident investigation process by participating as a member (when required) of an investigations team.
• Providing support to CAAi contracts as directed.

As directed, contributing to (and where appropriate, supervising) the training of new Inspectors. Sign off (as complete) elements of the training syllabi, where appropriate.

About You

The post holder will have a detailed understanding of the safety regulatory requirements associated with the planning, provision and operation of ATM systems and services in the UK. In this regard, a detailed knowledge of the following documents is required:

• UK (EU) Reg No 2017/373: Common Requirements for providers of air traffic management/air navigation services and other air traffic network functions and their oversight
• UK (EU) Reg No 2015/340 ATCO Licensing
• UK CAP1251
• UK CAP 584
• UK CAP 670
• Relevant sections of the UK Air Navigation Order

Additionally:

• The post holder will have demonstrated a sound understanding of the principles of Safety and Quality Management. Practical experience of the provision of ATM Services or Systems in accordance with a Safety Management System is essential. The ability to assess and critique the effectiveness of an SMS at expert level is required.
• The post holder will have completed an appropriate training course in risk management techniques and have gained experience in the practical application of these techniques in an ATM environment.
• The post holder will ideally have completed training in auditing skills and techniques.
• The post holder will hold, or (in exceptional circumstances) will have held, a civil ATCO licence with APS, APP and ADI ratings, and will ideally also hold an Assessor Endorsement. The post holder will have gained practical experience in the assessment of competence of licensed personnel for the purpose of the award of ATC Ratings and Rating Endorsements.
• The post holder will have extensive knowledge and experience of UK ATS provision.
• The post holder may be required to provide briefings of technical matters to a range of audiences, and must therefore have a confident but approachable style, be comfortable in communicating in a range of formats, and be able to present issues and supporting arguments in a concise yet comprehensive manner.

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.

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 and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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 committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview. Find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, 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

Explore What We Offer section on our careers website to find out about our benefits and how we support work-life balance.

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: 23rd July 2026

Interview Date: 18th and 19th August 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.