Head of Communications Delivery

Salary: Up to £90,000 per annum dependent upon experience

Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

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

The Head of Communications Delivery (Maternity Cover) is a senior leadership position responsible for managing integrated communications strategies across multiple channels. This public-facing communications role involves leading a team to deliver excellence in media relations, corporate communications, digital communications, website management, and social media marketing. The successful candidate will drive strategic communications that enhance brand reputation and organisational visibility.

Core Accountabilities

• Communications Team Leadership: Lead, coach, and develop the Communications Delivery team whilst deputising for the Deputy Director. Ensure integrated communications strategies and cross-functional collaboration across all channels.
• Strategy Development & Implementation: Develop and implement a comprehensive Communications Strategy aligned with organisational goals. Oversee performance monitoring, reporting, and analytics across digital platforms, social media channels, and media relations activities.
• Reputation Management: Strategically position and protect the organisation's reputation through effective external channels, horizon scanning for emerging issues and leading appropriate communications responses.
• Media & Corporate Communications: Build and maintain relationships with national journalists and media outlets. Develop proactive and reactive media strategies whilst overseeing corporate communications content and press releases.
• Digital Communications & Social Media Leadership: Lead digital transformation and innovation across the organisation's digital presence. Maintain consistency, govern digital assets including website management, and drive social media engagement.
• Campaign Management: Plan and execute multi-channel communications campaigns, including behaviour change campaigns, ensuring measurable value for money and impact on key organisational objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal teams to ensure cohesive content marketing, communications delivery, and stakeholder management.
• Crisis Communications: Maintain and update crisis communication plans covering all external communications channels.

About You

Minimum essential requirements for the role:

• Senior leadership experience in communications management or communications delivery
• Proven track record in a key communications role with demonstrated media relations and stakeholder engagement experience
• Campaign management experience including planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Digital communications and social media management experience
• Established relationships with national media and senior stakeholders both internally and externally
• Experience developing high-performing teams and leading organisational change

Desirable requirements for the role:

• Communications experience within aerospace, aviation, or regulated industries
• Professional communications qualifications (e.g. CIPR, CIM)

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: Monday 4th May 2026

Interview Date: Screening Interviews – W/C Monday 11th May 2026
                          Face to Face Interview – W/C Monday 18th 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.