Policy Specialist - Flight Operations

Salary: Up to £60,000

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level Required: BPSS

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship.

Location: Gatwick/Hybrid, expectation 2 days a week in office. UK & International travel may also be required.

The Role

You will manage elements of the rule making programme in collaboration with subject matter experts across the Civil Aviation Authority and will develop policy and regulatory frameworks for all aspects of aviation policy within the Flight Operations (FO) remit for the UK. This will involve supporting stakeholders (internal and external) by providing clarity on the application of relevant regulations.

You will inform, initiate, support and/or contribute to Flight Operations policy by providing specialist knowledge on elevant Flight Operations policy and regulation, with a focus on projects and regulation for new types of Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft (VTOL).

Additionally, you will ensure policies are proportionate, in accordance with the Better Regulation Principles, relevant and in line with national and international regulations.

Core Accountabilities

• Support and contribute to the Flight Operations work on regulation and guidance with a focus on new types of VTOL aircraft.
• With colleagues on the Flight Operations Policy team, develop policy that is consistent with safety and business needs.
• Dependent on experience and training, provide technical knowledge and expertise in all relevant Flight Operations subjects.
• Ensure all FO standards, Legislation and Recommendations are developed using SMART principles and are practicable and effective.
• Assist Policy Team colleagues in responding to accepted AAIB Safety Recommendations.
• Ensure FO Policy work adheres to CAA Regulatory and Management systems.
• Contributing to national and international aviation policy development, including international agreements.
• Contribute as the Chair/ a member of working or study groups as applicable.

About You

Essential Criteria

The post holder should have relevant subject matter expertise, experience and knowledge of the Flight Operations sector, and/or of regulatory policy development and rulemaking. This will include a wide knowledge of aviation matters with relevant experience and qualifications appropriate to individual post and level. Additionally, you will have VTOL expertise and experience and ideally a background in powered-lift and/or electric VTOL aircraft.

Further attributes we are looking for include:

• Knowledge of relevant UK, European and global legislation (e.g. ICAO, FAA, EASA EU Regulations) and standards setting bodies (e.g. BSi, CEN & SAE).

• An appropriate level of knowledge of PBO, SMS, RIA, HF Better Regulation, risk assessment and project management is required.
• Personal attributes of the post holder will include team worker with flexible and adaptable work ethos, analytical and lateral thinker with an eye for detail; strong research capability, ability to participate successfully in cross-domain teams within the CAA and multi-national teams in the international arena.
• A proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels and to produce concise, unambiguous discussion papers for presentation at various bodies within the CAA and Industry.
• High quality of written and verbal communications within timescales.
• High level of IT literacy including Microsoft applications and confidence to work on other associated platforms specific to the role.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of policy making either in Government or another regulator.

Additional 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. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application. To be vetted you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance

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: 15th February 2026

Interview Date: WC 23 February 2026

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.

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.