At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Safety & Assurance team to enhance aviation safety standards.
- Company: Join the UK's leading aviation and aerospace regulator.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, gym access, 28 days leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on aviation safety and compliance at a national level.
- Qualifications: Senior operational experience in aviation safety and proven leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 123093 - 123093 € per year.
Salary: Up to £123,093 per annum dependent upon experience
Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time
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 Role
In accordance with the CAA Strategic Plan and Values & Behaviours, lead and direct the Safety & Assurance team (formerly the Safety team in Safety & Business Delivery). The role holder will also:
- Lead the development, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the CAA State Safety Programme (SSP), a portion of the UK SSP, including the CAA/Regulatory Safety Management System (RSMS) and the CAA Compliance Monitoring function, including the SARG 2nd Line of Defence function and ISO 9001 accreditation management - SARG Critical Element 8 Owner and Critical Element 7 (Internal) Owner.
- Reporting to the Group Director Safety & Airspace Regulation Group (GD SARG), collaborate with SARG Executive Committee (ExCo) and SARG and CAA Leadership 50 (L50) members to support the GD SARG on the safety risk and regulatory compliance management of the CAA.
- Lead and implement the safety strategy, including the framework to manage and coordinate the National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP) as the strategic platform for CAA safety objectives.
Core Accountabilities
- Provide inspirational and effective leadership, as member of the CAA L50, to the Safety & Assurance team.
- Lead the day‑to‑day activities and functions of the safety risk management and compliance monitoring functions, working closely with the SARG L50, Shared Services Centre (SSC), CAA International (CAAi) Leadership Teams and other CAA teams.
- Chair the Safety & Assurance Governance Group (SAGG).
- Lead the coordination and delivery of the safety and quality governance framework, including the Safety Risk Committee (SRC), Safety Leadership Group (SLG) and Quality Management System (QMS) Management Review.
- Act as the SARG focal point for safety risk management, compliance monitoring and ISO 9001 QMS.
- Lead on the engagement with the Department for Transport (DfT) Aviation Safety team and other UK SSP partners on the UK SSP, including the State Safety Board (SSB), National Aviation Safety Plan (NASP), Regional Aviation Safety Plan (RASP) and Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP).
- Lead the Safety & Assurance team through objectives, defined activities and actions required to establish and maintain full alignment of ICAO Annex 19, the SSP and RSMS.
Decision Making
- Responsible for leading the decision‑making process on changes to the RSMS and safety governance through coordinating change recommendations to the GD SARG for decision.
- Responsible for agreeing and setting the international engagement programme including travel for ICAO Annex 19 related working groups, conferences and training.
- Formulate strategies and recommendations to resolve safety and compliance related problems raised by SARG teams.
- Setting the agenda for the SAGG and inputting to the agendas for the SRC and SLG.
Influencing
- Worldwide influence with ICAO, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other National Aviation Authorities (NAA) on the subject of safety risk management and compliance monitoring.
- Influencing of DfT and other UK SSP partners with best practice gained through CAA development and operational experience.
- Developing and nurturing a working relationship with the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB).
- Influencing of SARG Colleagues at all levels to engage and operate within the RSMS framework.
- Promote and support activities that create/increase awareness, understanding and ownership of safety and compliance responsibilities.
- Develop the team's approach and ways of working to a business partnering model and encourage better facilitation, collaboration and cooperation with all SARG teams.
Management
- Management of a combined team of around 40 colleagues, largely technical specialists in the fields of safety risk management, compliance monitoring, data intelligence and other niche specialisms.
- Budget management of circa £2.8m.
- Organise, conduct and/or participate in seminars, workshops, meetings training to assist CAA Teams and/or regulated entities.
About You
- Aviation experience at a senior operational level within Safety.
- Proven leadership experience in safety management within a complex operational arrangement.
- Demonstrable experience of implementing safety risk management framework in innovative or novel operations or with new product/technology.
- Experience in strategy development, implementation and management with particular regard to management systems.
- Diplomacy and tact being aware and sensitive to colleague and stakeholder variances and needs.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required to engage Colleagues at all levels across multiple disciplines.
- Able to make clear decisions and solve complex problems.
- Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues up to Board level, and to review and amend the work of others.
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.
Benefits and Work Environment
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!
Head of Safety and Assurance in Guildford employer: Civil Aviation Authority
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety and assurance are at the forefront of the aviation industry. With a commitment to employee growth, the CAA provides extensive benefits including flexible working arrangements, a free onsite gym, and a generous pension scheme, all while fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. Located near Gatwick, employees can look forward to a supportive atmosphere that values ethical standards and personal integrity, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Safety and Assurance in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the aviation and aerospace industry, especially those who work at the CAA. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you land that Head of Safety and Assurance role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the CAA's safety strategies and recent initiatives. Show us you’re not just familiar with the role but genuinely passionate about enhancing safety standards in aviation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your past experiences leading teams and managing safety frameworks. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safety and Assurance in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in safety management and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Safety and Assurance, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and implement safety strategies. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact – numbers speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the aviation industry, and make sure your passion for safety shines through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Aviation Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the CAA's safety management systems and frameworks. Brush up on ICAO Annex 19 and the UK State Safety Programme, as these will likely come up during your interview. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Safety and Assurance, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in safety management. Highlight how you inspired your team and navigated challenges.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role involves influencing various stakeholders, so be ready to discuss how you've built relationships in previous roles. Think of specific instances where you’ve collaborated with different teams or external partners to achieve safety objectives. This will showcase your interpersonal skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in safety risk management. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with complex safety issues. This will help you demonstrate your analytical skills and decision-making capabilities effectively.
