Senior Manager - International Development and Operations

Salary: Up to £69,500 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: BPSS

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

Developing new business opportunities and programme management of a portfolio of projects for CAA International across our core three service lines: Advisory Services, Aviation Training and Digital e-Tools. Responsibilities include Line management, team development, account management with our customers and additional responsibilities to support the strategic development, profitability of our portfolio to support our overall purpose and vision.

About You

• Graduate or relevant industry experience in a relevant field
• Experience in aviation, transport or another highly regulated/technical sector is highly desirable.
• Strong Business Development acumen, ideally within consulting/professional services is desirable, including experience in lead generation, qualification and conversion of opportunities
• Proven track record in bid management and proposal development, including winning competitive tenders and/or single-source opportunities
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing relationships with senior/executive level clients, including government/regulatory stakeholders, partners and sub-contractors
• Strong commercial judgement, including pricing, margin management and contract negotiation, as well as broad understanding of the international aviation community
• Ability to shape opportunities early, influence client requirements, and position services effectively
• Experience in account management and customer journey oversight, supporting long-term client relationships and repeat business
• Strong experience in project/programme delivery across the project lifecycle, preferably in an international environment, with ability to support transition from bid to delivery
• Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams in matrix organization across business development, technical and project delivery functions
• Experience in project methodologies, ideally coupled with a formal Project Management qualification such as APM, PMP or Prince 2
• Proven people management experience and ability to lead and motivate multi-disciplinary teams working collaboratively in a matrix organisation throughout bid development and project delivery in an international environment
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, internally and externally
• Experience contributing to or delivering regional or market development plans and strategies, including identifying growth opportunities and competitive positioning
• Strong organisational skills with experience managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands
• Proactive, opportunity-driven mindset, with ability to work with ambiguity and take ownership of outcomes whilst maintaining a flexible approach to meet the demands of the business
• Ability to work autonomously and with minimal oversight
• Excellent understanding of risk management principles and contingency planning
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment and an awareness and appreciation of working with international clients
• Experience in representing organisations at conferences and industry events
• Experience in the use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools/systems is a plus
• Experience in tender monitoring platforms and opportunity tracking tools is desirable
• Excellent IT skills, specifically in Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Language skills/ability to speak several languages would be advantageous

What Can We Offer You?

You will be part of a very dynamic team that works across all the areas of expertise of the CAA. including safety, security, innovation, environment, economics, and consumer protection.  You will have the chance to work and interact with international partners and stakeholders and to support our purpose of raising aviation standards around the world. Global Travel may be required as part of the role for International Development Events, Account Management and Project Delivery.

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.

BPSS - To be vetted you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken.

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

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 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: Tuesday 21st April 2026

Interview Date: W/C Monday 27th April or Tuesday 5th May 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.