Job Description

Salary: £15,000 per annum

Contract Type: Fixed Term, 3 Years (with potential for a second term)

Time Commitment: Approximately 40 days per annum

Security Level: SC

Location: Flexible, with regular visibility expected at Aviation House, Crawley

Closing Date: Sunday 23rd August 2026

Please note that both a CV and a cover letter are required for any application. Your cover letter should explain how you meet the person specifications and your motivation for the role, addressed to Tracey Martin.

If you would like a copy of the comprehensive candidate pack for this role – please contact HRResourcing@caa.co.uk and one will be sent to you.

CAA International (CAAi) is the commercial consultancy arm of the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and a registered Social Enterprise. As a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK CAA, we export over 50 years of UK regulatory expertise worldwide, helping aviation authorities, governments and industry partners strengthen aviation safety, security and sustainability.

Operating globally, we provide advisory services, training and examination solutions that support States in building resilient and effective aviation systems. As a Social Enterprise, we reinvest half of our annual profits into initiatives that support aviation development and social good across the UK and developing countries.

CAAi has experienced significant growth in recent years and has recently refreshed its strategy, governance arrangements and business model to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable success. We are now seeking an exceptional Chair to lead the Board through the next phase of development and growth.

The Role

This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the future of an organisation that makes a tangible contribution to raising aviation standards across the globe.

As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, oversight and accountability while supporting the continued growth and success of CAAi. Working closely with the Managing Director, Board members and the UK CAA, you will help guide the organisation through an increasingly complex international environment, balancing commercial success with our social enterprise purpose.

You will promote a culture of constructive challenge, collaboration and high performance, ensuring the Board supports management in delivering sustainable outcomes for customers, stakeholders and global aviation communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board in setting and overseeing delivery of CAAi's strategy.
• Guide business growth and development in an international environment, balancing opportunity, innovation and risk.
• Support and challenge the Managing Director to deliver strategic, financial and operational objectives.
• Ensure the highest standards of governance, risk management and accountability.
• Maintain alignment with the priorities and expectations of the UK Civil Aviation Authority and wider public sector framework.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government, regulators, international partners and other key stakeholders.
• Foster a Board culture that promotes diversity of thought, inclusion, constructive challenge and effective decision-making.
• Champion CAAi's mission to improve global aviation and aerospace standards through trusted international partnerships.
• Promote a culture that balances commercial ambition with public service values and integrity.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Chair, Non-Executive Director or senior Board-level leader with the credibility, judgement and strategic capability to lead an ambitious international organisation.

Experience

• Proven experience operating at Board level as a Chair, Non-Executive Director or senior executive.
• Strong understanding of corporate governance and Board effectiveness.
• Demonstrable success in business development and organisational growth, ideally within an international context.
• Experience working within complex stakeholder environments, including government, regulatory or public sector organisations.
• Commercial and financial acumen, with an ability to balance growth opportunities against risk.
• Experience building productive relationships with senior stakeholders and partners.

Skills & Attributes

• Outstanding leadership and the ability to guide a high-performing Board.
• Strategic thinking with a long-term perspective.
• Sound judgement, integrity and personal credibility.
• Strong influencing and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative leadership style that enables and supports others.
• Commitment to diversity of thought, inclusion and good governance.
• Cultural awareness and the ability to work effectively across international and organisational boundaries.
• The ability to balance risk, innovation and opportunity in a complex operating environment.

Why Join Us? This role offers the opportunity to:

• Shape the future direction of a globally respected aviation consultancy.
• Contribute to improving aviation safety and standards around the world.
• Lead a Board that combines commercial ambition with social enterprise values.
• Work alongside experienced aviation, regulatory and business leaders.
• Make a meaningful contribution to international aviation development and sustainability.

Governance & Public Accountability

• This appointment requires the highest standards of integrity and transparency in line with the Nolan Principles.​
• The Chair and all Directors will be registered at Companies House and comply with the Companies Act 2006.​
• You will be expected to declare and manage any conflicts of interest and ensure that all activities meet public scrutiny requirements, including appropriate handling of gifts and hospitality.​

Additional Information

SC -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 5 years.

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

For more information on SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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.

Inclusive Recruitment

The UK Civil Aviation Authority and CAAi are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

We are committed to recruiting based on merit and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Our Values

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

Closing Date: Sunday 23rd August 2026

First Stage Interview Dates: Tuesday1st to Friday 4th September 2026

Final Panel Interviews: Monday 28th September 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.