Head of Airline Operations

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Salary: £105,000 up to £110,000 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

Strategically lead the Airline Operations Team, driving the effective licensing of UK and foreign carriers, ATOL-holding airlines, and-where required-space operators, ensuring robust regulatory, financial and operational oversight.

Ensure all airline and ATOL licensing activities are delivered to the highest regulatory standards, optimising efficiency, consistency, and organisational impact.

Make high-value licensing decisions (up to £200m licensable revenue) as part of the ATOL Credit Committee and shape recommendations to senior leadership and the CAA Board on complex or high-risk cases.

Lead the evolution of Airline Licensing policies and guidance, strengthening regulatory effectiveness and supporting industry resilience.

Play a key role in the A_A leadership team, driving delivery of annual priorities, and developing a high-performing team of financial and licensing specialists.

Take ownership of complex, high-risk cases to safeguard consumers, protect the Air Travel Trust, maintain the integrity of the licensing regime and uphold stability across the UK aviation sector.

Core Accountabilities include

Management

• Strategically lead the development and effectiveness of Airline Operations by motivating and supporting the team to achieve objectives, while driving continuous improvement across all key functions and processes.

Risk Assessment

• Strategically lead the establishment and maintenance of a rigorous and effective risk-management framework governing licensing activities for both UK and international operators and, where applicable space operators - with clear processes for identifying, assessing, mitigating, escalating financial, licensing and operational risks.

Decision-Making

• Make delegated decisions on licence applications, ensuring Operating Licences, route licences, TCO approvals, and Foreign Carrier Permits comply with regulations, while leading complex licensing and policy cases and managing airline (and relevant ATOL) revocation processes.

Policy Development

• Lead the development of policies and guidance informed by industry trends, produce external publications on airline licensing policy, and contribute to UK Government initiatives shaping global aviation strategy.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with senior leaders across regulated companies, international carriers, Government departments, and aviation organisations; represent the CAA externally; and collaborate across internal departments to support delivery of organisational objectives.

Portfolio & Risk Management

• Direct and prioritise case management, identify emerging risks from economic, political, and technological trends, and ensure operational and licensing risks are effectively mitigated.

About You

Essential

• Proactive, adaptable leader with a strong work ethic and collaborative approach.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams while delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Strong analytical and judgement skills driving sound financial, business, and licensing decisions.
• Skilled in senior-level stakeholder engagement across industry, Government, and aviation bodies.
• Highly organised, effective at prioritising, resolving complex cases, and operating under pressure.
• ACA/ACCA (or equivalent) or qualified by experience.

Desirable

• Strong knowledge of UK airline and travel company operations and regulatory environment.

• Solid understanding of relevant policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Effective project management skills.
• Proficient in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

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.

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: 11th February 2026

Interview Date: w/c 16th or 23rd February 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.