Chief Digital and Information Officer in Crawley

Location: Gatwick, GB

Salary: Up to £175,000 per annum dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: SC

Base Location: Aviation House, Gatwick

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.

Please note that both a CV and a cover letter are required for any application detailing how you meet the person specification for the role.

The Role

The Chief Digital and Information Officer will lead the organisation’s digital and change modernisation, using emerging technologies to enhance employee experience, drive efficiency, and support high-quality service delivery in line with an evolving target operating model. The role holder will lead and direct the combined Information Services and Portfolio Delivery functions for the CAA and provide the corporate oversight of all digital and change programmes. The CAA is part-way through a multi-million programme to improve customer experience and modernise its services through digitisation. This will leverage significant benefits to customers and support Government priorities with respect to growth and reducing the regulatory burden on industry whilst delivering value for money. The role champions Artificial Intelligence adoption in line with the government’s agenda, improving staff productivity and user engagement. As a member of the Executive Team this key role will report directly to the Chief Financial and Operating Officer. It will reflect the drive and ambition of the Board to be visible, trusted and influential. It will invest in building sustainable relationships with external stakeholders and partners, while improving overall effectiveness by leading on the development and delivery of major digital modernisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for digital, data, and technology, setting the direction for a secure, innovative, and cost-effective technology estate that supports organisational priorities and service delivery.
• Oversee information governance and cyber security, ensuring data protection and compliance with best practices and regulations.
• Drive digital transformation, championing user‑centred design and the use of technology to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Provide governance, assurance and oversight of the CAA’s portfolio of change programmes to the Executive and Board.
• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders and represent the organisation in forums and other cross‑sector collaborations.
• Oversee vendor and third‑party relationships to ensure high‑quality, cost‑effective delivery of digital and technology services.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, government standards, and direct organisational change initiatives.

As a member of the CAA’s Executive Committee, the post‑holder will contribute to the overall leadership and strategic direction of the organisation, beyond their functional remit. They will actively promote the 'One CAA' ethos, fostering a collaborative, high‑performing, and adaptable culture rooted in shared purpose and public service values.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing visible, values‑led leadership across the CAA, championing continuous improvement, effective performance management, and active colleague engagement.
• Promoting teamwork, open communication, and a commitment to staff development as central to a resilient and high‑performing organisational culture.
• Leading by example in embracing change, agility, and innovation in ways of working, in line with organisational needs.
• Upholding CAA values and modelling the behaviours.
• Consistently acting in accordance with CAA’s organisational values, ensuring that leadership style and day‑to‑day behaviours reflect these principles.

Person Specification

• Proven experience of providing strategic leadership and contributing to organisational direction, with a strong focus on delivering digital transformation, service improvements, and cost efficiencies.
• Demonstrated ability to set a clear and compelling strategic vision, effectively communicating this across all levels of the organisation.
• A strong track record of developing and maintaining effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders, partners, and suppliers.
• Substantial experience in identifying, assessing, and managing risk, including information governance and cyber security risk.
• Experience on leading a significant organisational change portfolio with demonstrable delivery to programme benefits.
• Demonstrable success in leading the development and delivery of innovative digital, data, and technology strategies in a customer‑focused environment.
• Experience of building, leading, and developing high‑performing, multi-disciplinary teams within a complex organisational setting.
• A recognised professional qualification in information or cyber security (e.g. CISSP, CISM), or a commitment to obtain one if appointed.
• Familiarity with current government digital and technology standards, including the Technology Code of Practice, GDS Service Standards, and the Government Security Policy Framework.
• Experience at a senior level in a regulatory agency or non‑departmental public body (NDPB) preferred but not essential.

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. SC - To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years. 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 ask 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 5th April 2026

Candidate Sifting: Monday 6th April to Friday 10th April 2026

1st Interview Dates: Monday 20th April to Friday 24th April 2026

Successful candidates from the 1st stage will be invited to complete a series of Executive level psychometric assessments.

Panel/Stakeholder Interviews: Thursday 7th May 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.