RPAS Sector Lead - (Oversight)

Salary:  Up to £75,000

Contract Type:  Permanent – Full time

Security Level:  CTC - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Location:  Gatwick – Hybrid – Flexible

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

It is the role of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System’s (RPAS) Sector Team for Applications & Oversight to evaluate applications for and issue Specific Category Operational Authorisations and Recognised Assessment Entities. It also delivers routine regulatory oversight of UK RPAS industry. This vital work ensures that UK RPAS operations are conducted safely, and that the UK is at the forefront of this exciting, disruptive, and dynamic industry. To this end, we’re looking for a Sector Lead – Oversight to join the RPAS Sector Team.

As the Sector Lead - Oversight you will report to the Head of RPAS. Working alongside Sector Leads for Applications and Training, you will lead and manage a small team to plan, deliver and assure the delivery of regulatory oversight activities across the Open and Specific categories of RPAS operations in the UK. You will also be responsible for leading and co-ordinating the RPAS team’s effective support to the SARG’s Regulatory Safety Management System. The role of the Sector Lead – Oversight regularly liaises with other RPAS teams, industry stakeholders, regulated communities, and the wider CAA. In the future this role will be central to driving improvements in performance and risk-based oversight. If taking on a leadership role, improving safety, influencing the direction of industry, or simply working in this dynamic team appeals to you then please apply. 

About You

A strong and collaborative leader and people manager that is confident in providing leadership, support, and oversight, and has a sound understanding of aviation regulation, safety management, hazard assessment and risk analysis, together with audit training or equivalent experience.

You will have confidence to resolve unique and new challenges and able to contribute to the decision making required for strategic RPAS oversight and safety assessments. It is essential that you can demonstrate empathy and consistently embody the CAA’s values, helping to mentor, develop, and lead your team and have confidence in taking accountability and providing wider support to your colleagues. 

• Qualified and experienced in operation of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) RPAS or Tactical RPAS or civilian equivalent.
• Good knowledge of UAS regulations and their application in the UK.
• A graduate or equivalent with extensive experience in RPAS aviation.
• Understanding of safety regulation or management to facilitate the way the RPAS Sector Team undertakes its tasks.
• Good understanding of aviation regulation and related technical issues gained through experience to monitor, guide and control major decisions in involving RPAS safety and development.
• Evidence of ability to line manage teams.
• Have audit training or experience of being audited.
• Have a sound understanding of safety management, hazard assessment and risk analysis.

Core Accountabilities

• Provide expert technical advice on interpretation and application of the UK UAS regulations.
• Plan, deliver and assure regulatory oversight activities of the Open and Specific categories of RPAS operations in the UK.
• Track and manage findings of regulatory non-compliance; ensuring and assuring that they are appropriately reported, managed, and resolved within an acceptable timescale.
• Evaluation of applications for Specific Category Operational Authorisations and issue of Operational Authorisations.
• Production of Safety and Information Notices.
• Maintenance of relevant RPAS Civil Aviation Publications in conjunction with the RPAS Policy Team.
• Safety promotion.
• Contribution to national rule-making tasks.
• Advice & support to internal / external / international stakeholders.
• Support to defined programmes including the Future Flight Challenge.
• Organise and conduct Mandatory Occurrence Report reviews.
• Provide advice to Investigation and Enforcement Team.
• Oversight of Recognised Assessment Entities for remote pilot competency
• Provide support to RPAS change projects as directed.
• Continuously improve the RPAS team relationship with the Shared Service Centre.

Inclusivity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our diversity ensuring all are backgrounds included here at the CAA. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview.

Our Benefits

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as:

• Flexible & hybrid working arrangements available
• 28 days annual leave + public holidays (additional 5 days leave purchase scheme)
• Generous pension scheme (Up to 12% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing Room at Gatwick
• Mental Health and Suicide First Aiders
• Employee Assistance Programme, talking therapies and neurodiversity support via Occupational Health & access to Headspace for colleagues and 5 dependents
• Free onsite gym at Gatwick or discounted gym membership for London
• EV charging points
• Employee Development courses internally and via Skillsoft

Our Values
 

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

Closing Date: Friday 27th September 2024

Interview Date: TBC

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.