Airspace Modernisation Lead (Planner) in Crawley

Salary: Up to £70,000 Dependant on Experience (plus a market related supplement)

Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time

Security Level: BPSS

Location: Gatwick / Hybrid - expectation 2 days per week in office

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship

Closing Date: Sunday 13th September 2026

Interview Date: W/C Monday 21st September 2026 - in person at our Gatwick Offices

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

As an Airspace Modernisation Lead planner, you will act as a primary planner and subject matter expert on technical and planning elements of the Strategy. You will work with a wide variety of partners, in the CAA and beyond, to ensure that the airspace modernisation strategy (AMS) delivers on its goals for the total modernisation of UK airspace by 2050.

Collaborate and develop:

• Lead development and evolution of UK Airspace Modernisation Strategy AMS through:
• Develop and draft Airspace Modernisation plans and strategy documents associated with the UK AMS;
• Internal and external UK stakeholder engagement and collaboration;
• Influencing at the International level to ensure UK AMS and alignment with the international plans;
• Collaboration with airspace user and industry stakeholder groups to ensure the programme of airspace modernisation is supported by National and International policy;
• Coordinating and collaborating with the Airspace Modernisation Delivery Teams; both CAA internal Teams and external industry Teams (such as NERL and MoD) to ensure alignment and coherence with the AMS Objectives.

Support:

• Supporting airspace ecosystem innovation in the form of:
• Support to industry in communicating AMS intent;
• Advice to SLT on Airspace Modernisation Fund (ASF) activities;
• Providing ongoing SME Airspace and ATC technical advice and guidance to the CAA for both trials and other developing innovation projects pertinent to the AMS.

Enable AMS and Future of Flight integration and coordination in the plans and delivery areas.

Change Management:

• Recognise and track European and Global airspace modernisation intent and facilitate updates where necessary to the UK AMS through advising SLT revised UK AMS strategic intent.
• Ensure Strategic coherence of UK AMS Delivery plans through attendance of internal and external stakeholder and planning meetings.

Communications:

• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure airspace modernisation plans are understood.

About You:

• Clear understanding of the UK AMS and related aims and objectives.
• Good working knowledge of the airspace change framework and national legislation with a sound understanding of implications for airspace users.
• Proven experience at developing strategic or operational plans and the production of multifaceted strategy documents.
• Experienced leader of multidisciplinary teams in complex environments.
• Ability to rapidly establish personal credibility with technical specialists and develop collaborative relationships.
• Ability to develop novel solutions, based on expert knowledge and detailed understanding of ATM and aviation law principles.
• Have a sound knowledge of National reporting responsibilities into ICAO, Eurocontrol and others.
• Have proven ability to communicate effectively and influence at all levels internally, with industry, and with national and international stakeholders.
• Possess high levels of commitment, reliability and flexibility, and be an excellent team worker with sound interpersonal skills.
• Could work with minimum supervision, be pro-active and possess strong time management skills to meet demanding deadlines.
• Possess first-class verbal and written communication skills and good negotiating skills.
• Proven ability to shape and influence evolving plans and strategies across multiple domains.
• Have good organisational discipline and the ability to work within a multi-disciplined team.
• Significant experience and knowledge of the UK’s joint and integrated ATM system.
• Good knowledge of the CAA and UK aviation industry supported by an understanding of key legislative factors influencing and determining the CAA’s role as an airspace regulator e.g. the Civil Aviation Act, Air Navigation Order, Rules of the Air Regulations and the appropriate MAA Regulatory Publications.
• Working knowledge of the ICAO, Eurocontrol and other international institutions that might impact upon UK airspace modernisation.
• Aware of the environmental impact of aviation, and of existing and developing strategies and actions to mitigate these.

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.
• 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.
• 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 are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview.
• If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Working With Us:

Explore What We Offer section on our careers website to find out about our benefits and how we support work-life balance.

Our Values: Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone.

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.