Head of Information and Data Management in Guildford

Salary: £70,094 up to £78,000 per annum dependent upon experience

Contract Type: 9 – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract – Maternity Cover

Security Level: SC

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 Head of Information and Data Management is a senior IT Leader who bears responsibility for the CAA's enterprise-wide data and information strategy, governance, control, policy development, and effective exploitation.

Core Accountabilities

• Work with board members, the CEO, the CIO and other ExCo members to establish vision, and to create a culture that treats data as a cross-corporate asset and evangelise for the effective management and exploitation of data.
• Lead the Information management team.
• Lead the progression of the CAA's Data Strategy.
• Be the corporate leader of data insights that help drive strategic and tactical business opportunity, and be a champion for a data-driven, decision-making culture.
• Develop and maintain controls on data quality, interoperability and sources to effectively manage corporate risk.
• Define, manage, and control master data and metadata management policies, controls, and standards, including reference data.
• Manage controls for the appropriate protection of enterprise information assets through a defined life cycle from acquisition or creation to end of life destruction and disposal procedures.
• Scan the horizon for emerging management tools, skills, techniques and technologies, and ensure their timely introduction for competitive advantage.
• Collaborate and engage externally with industry organisations and government peers to identify opportunities for data exploitation and standardisation for mutual benefit.
• Continue to implement and mature Data Ownership Framework.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to data and information professionals in their own team, as well as data specialists in various other areas across the organisation.

About You

To be considered for the role you will need to have:

• Excellent interpersonal skills - able to work across business lines at senior levels to influence and effect change to achieve common goals.
• Strategic technology planning experience; experience in strategic technology planning and execution, and policy development and maintenance.
• Ability to effectively drive people, process and technology change in a dynamic and complex operating environment.
• Proven record of effective leadership, including the ability to balance team and individual responsibilities; building teams and consensus; getting things done through others not directly under his/her supervision; working ethically and with integrity.
• Demonstrated knowledge of data structure; information systems/tools, and related software and data management; enterprise content management, and record-keeping policies and practices in a complex organisational environment.
• Demonstrable understanding of data quality considerations and solutions.
• Experience of reviewing design documentation from a data quality perspective.
• Ability to facilitate and lead workshops with internal stakeholders to achieve consensus and deliver technical information in non-technical language.

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 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.

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: Friday 5th December 2025

Interview Date: W/C Monday 8th and 15th December 2025

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.