Airspace Project Lead in Crawley

Join to apply for the Airspace Project Lead role at Civil Aviation Authority.

Salary: £60,000 up to £69,524 dependent on 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

The Airspace Regulation (AR) team sits within the Airspace, Air Traffic Management and Aerodromes (AAA) capability team and is responsible for the management and processing of Airspace Change Proposals (ACP) within expected timeframes. As the Airspace Project Lead, you will play a pivotal role in delivering high-profile projects that support the Airspace Regulation team and the UK’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy. This currently includes supporting large scale national infrastructure projects, like airport expansion projects at Heathrow, Gatwick and across the UK. You will also be supporting projects enabling emerging technologies, which includes drones and space operations. You will be the product owner of the public facing airspace change portal website, coordinating and implementing changes to support users of the site. You will support the development and improvement of several systems that Airspace Regulation use on a regular basis. These will be far ranging from product tools within the department to companywide systems. You will be responsible for leading projects from initiation through to completion, this includes effective planning, governance, managing budgets, risk and issue management, and alignment with the CAA’s regulatory frameworks and delivery processes. This is a hands‑on role requiring excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills. You will work closely with internal teams, government departments, industry partners, and the public to ensure transparency, collaboration, and alignment with strategic objectives. There is the potential for this role to include line management of a team.

About You

The ideal candidate will bring proven experience in managing complex business projects through their full lifecycle, from initiation to successful delivery. You’ll have a strong track record of delivering outcomes, with a focus on quality and stakeholder value. Experience working in a regulatory or policy development environment, where strategic thinking, compliance, and public accountability are key would be highly advantageous.

• Proven ability to manage complex, multi‑stakeholder projects.
• Strong planning, scheduling, and resource management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to interpret and apply policy frameworks in a project delivery context.
• Skilled in identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks and issues, particularly in high‑profile or politically sensitive environments.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex technical and operational data to inform decision‑making.
• Experience leading organisational or operational change, including stakeholder transition and adoption of new technologies or procedures.
• Have a proven ability to communicate effectively at working level internally with CAA colleagues, and externally with industry stakeholders.
• Possess good organisational discipline and the ability to work effectively within a multi‑disciplined team.
• Have sound understanding and experience of MS Office and familiarity with digital tools for project management (e.g. MS Project, SharePoint, Planner, Loop, PowerBi).
• You hold formal Project Management qualifications such as APM, Prince 2, MSP, or Agile.
• Good knowledge of the wider UK aviation industry.
• An understanding of UK General Aviation needs and operations.
• An understanding of the UK’s Airspace Change Process, Airspace Modernisation Strategy and related aims and objectives.
• An understanding of the CAA structure and its working practice and procedures.
• An understanding of NATS and other ANSPs and their structures related to Airspace modernisation.
• Some understanding of emerging technologies in aviation (e.g. Electronic Conspicuity, Detect and Avoid, UAS Traffic Management, Command and Control Links).
• Some knowledge of European and International institutions and their working arrangements.

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.

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.

Closing Date: Sunday 11th January 2026

Interview Date: W/C Monday 12th or 19th January 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.