Senior Vetting Manager

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Salary: Up to £57,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time

Security Level: DV

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

While the Department for Transport (DfT) is responsible for overall policy on aviation security, the CAA provides advice and assistance to both Government and the aviation industry on the development and delivery of that policy, primarily through regulation, and oversees its effective implementation in the UK. This post sits within the CAA's Aviation Security Regulation Division and is focused on managing security risks associated with the hundreds of thousands of personnel subject to National Security Vetting in the UK aviation sector.

The role of the Senior Vetting Manager provides support to the Head of Personnel Security on the general management of the Security Vetting team, being responsible for the operational delivery of UK National Security Vetting requirements for the aviation industry. This includes direct line management of 2 roles and indirect line management of a further 12; overseeing the provision of National Security Vetting as delivered by the Vetting team and our service provider UK Security Vetting (UKSV); managing our relationship with UKSV; conducting interviews of applicants in cases where clearance may be refused; providing advice and guidance to the team over more routine decisions and being responsible for taking decisions where there are significant concerns arising from an applicant's criminal history and / or other sensitive information.

Core Accountabilities

• Supporting the Head of Personnel Security and the DfT in managing the risk to aviation security from the insider threat through providing insight, advice, and guidance on the effectiveness of, and any need for changes to, the regulatory requirements for recruitment and vetting to ensure they remain fit for purpose
• Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with senior managers and vetting sponsors in industry as well as senior managers in Government involved in security vetting to ensure there is a good understanding of how security vetting is implemented in a proportionate, sustainable, and effective manner
• Managing and being accountable for the performance of the CAA's AvSec Vetting team. This includes ensuring that a fair and robust process is maintained with turnaround times being met
• Management of a vetting budget of circa £2m per annum
• Regular liaison with UK Security Vetting (UKSV) over service standards
• Making decisions on the granting or refusal of security clearance in complex cases where significant criminal history and / or national security information exists about an applicant. This may include interviewing applicants where the information provided is likely to result in the clearance being refused
• Overseeing the first stage of any appeals against a decision to refuse or withdraw security clearance
• Representing the CAA at the Cabinet Office Security Vetting Appeals Panel to explain decisions to refuse or withdraw security vetting from individuals. This will include working with CAA lawyers, outside counsel, and other relevant parties to provide a clear and robust explanation and defence of the decision taken
• Taking a lead role in providing regulatory advice, interpretation and support to industry and compliance colleagues on security vetting matters; also provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) advice to DfT colleagues on the regulatory and operational processes surrounding security vetting
• Assisting in the reaction to, and handling of, aviation security incidents as required, providing prompt, accurate and relevant advice in respect of regulatory requirements and impact of any proposed changes in regulation (this will include working out of normal hours when responding to a security incident)

About You

The successful applicant will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

• A proven record as a well-organised, reliable and proactive self-starter, able to manage a high-volume programme of work and the timely delivery of specified outcomes effectively and to a high standard
• Interpersonal and other skills necessary to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders across government and industry
• Leading a team which routinely handles a large volume of work
• Effective and authoritative communication skills, both written and oral
• A proven ability to assimilate, interpret and assess complex information, and use this to reach and articulate robust and fair evidence-based decisions

Applicants do not need to have a background in personnel or other security issues, but the following would be desirable:

• Experience of UK National Security Vetting processes including decision-making
• Experience of managing a team of 10+ people
• A good understanding of data protection principles and their practical application to protect sensitive personal data
• Experience of security issues, risk management and / or counter terrorism principles, ideally in an aviation context
• A good understanding of Government and / or CAA policy-making and regulatory processes

The successful applicant will need to hold, or be willing and able to obtain, DV clearance (note that this requires uninterrupted residency in the UK for a minimum of 10 years).

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 eligible for this screening you will need to be a British Citizen and have lived in the UK for at least 10 years. Any time spent overseas must also be accounted for.

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

For more information on DV clearance please use the following links to learn more:

The vetting charter - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

National security vetting: clearance levels - 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

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. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone.

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.

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 16th September 2024

Interview Date: W/C Monday 30th September 2024

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.