Job Description

Salary: Up to £180,000 per annum dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: SC

Base Location: Westferry, London

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 CAA has engaged with an executive search partner, Odgers to work on its behalf to fulfil its search for a Director of Aviation Security.

All applications MUST be made directly to Odgers using the below link:

Director Aviation Security - Odgers

Applications made directly to the CAA will not be considered.

The Role

Following separation from National Air Traffic Services in 2001, the Civil Aviation Authority is now the UK’s independent aviation regulator, with all civil aviation regulatory functions (economic regulation, airspace policy, safety regulation, consumer protection and aviation security regulation) being integrated within a single specialist body.

We are seeking to appoint a Director of Aviation Security who will be accountable for leading the Aviation Security Group, overseeing the workforce and delivering the CAA’s strategic and statutory objectives. This is a critical role in upholding the CAA’s overarching mission of ‘Protecting People, Enabling Aerospace’.

Reporting to the Executive Director, CAA, the Director of Aviation Security will provide strategic leadership and regulatory oversight for Aviation Security, holding authority to enforce national aviation security regulations and initiate enforcement actions within the framework of the national security legislation.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in senior operational leadership, preferably within a safety-critical, regulatory, or aviation-related environment.
• Record of delivering strategic objectives through complex, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong financial and programme management capability, with experience in overseeing large-scale budgets and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through others, influence across boundaries and drive continuous improvement.

Requirements

Candidates must be able to obtain security clearance at an SC level. The successful candidate would need to be willing to undergo the DV clearance application whilst undertaking the role.

Additional Information 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.

In order to conduct meaningful background checks, candidates who do not initially meet standard screening requirements may be asked to provide further information.

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.

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: Sunday 24th May 2026

Additional interview information can be obtained from Odgers directly.