Head of Sustainability Impact & Government Relations

Salary: £70,094 up to £90,000 dependent upon 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

We are seeking a proactive and strategically minded individual to join the CAA as our Head of Sustainability Impact and Government Relations. This role is responsible for ensuring that the CAA's sustainability work delivers measurable and meaningful impact both internally and externally through effective policy influence, government and industry collaboration, and international representation. The postholder will be a senior leader responsible for maximising the visibility, relevance, and effectiveness of the CAA's sustainability efforts across UK government, international regulatory bodies, and the aviation sector. This role requires building and leveraging strategic networks across government and industry to drive forward the CAA's sustainability strategy and goals. You will be accountable for identifying key decision-makers, building strong cross-government and industry networks, and delivering compelling evidence-based arguments for change (working closely with our environment reporting and research functions).

Core Accountabilities

• Impact Delivery and Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and delivery of an impact strategy for the CAA's sustainability agenda, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and sustainability priorities. Oversee the definition, tracking, and communication of impact metrics and outcomes, ensuring internal and external sustainability activities contribute to real-world change in aviation policy and practice. Support work across internal teams to embed impact thinking into sustainability programmes, policies, and initiatives.
• Government Relations and Policy Influence: Develop and execute a targeted and proactive sustainability government engagement strategy, identifying key individuals, departments (e.g. DfT, DEFRA, DESNZ, HMT), and policy moments to influence. Working closely with the international team and the Chief Technical Noise Advisor, contribute to the development of global environmental standards and policies through international sustainability forums (e.g. ICAO, EASA, NAAs), and ensure the CAA continues to be recognised as a leading international voice in shaping aviation's environmental future. Provide high-quality, evidence-based briefings and policy advice to government (working closely with the Head of Environmental Research and Policy and the Head of Environmental Reporting) and represent the CAA as a credible and trusted advisor to senior civil servants, special advisors, and ministers on sustainability issues in aviation.
• Industry Stakeholder Relations: Where necessary develop strategic partnerships with airports, airlines, manufacturers, and trade bodies, to communicate CAA priorities and enable collaborative approaches.
• Cross-CAA Coordination: Leading a small team, coordinate with internal policy, strategy, and communications teams to ensure a unified voice and evidence-based positioning on key sustainability issues.

About You

Essential

• Strong experience in government engagement, public affairs, or policy within a governmental and aviation context, with the ability to operate credibly and effectively with senior civil servants, special advisors, and ministers.
• Proven track record of shaping and influencing policy and legislation, both nationally and internationally, with a clear understanding of political and regulatory dynamics.
• Demonstrable leadership in strategy and impact delivery, including the ability to develop, implement, and communicate measurable sustainability outcomes aligned to organisational goals.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to translate complex or technical concepts into accessible, persuasive messaging for a range of audiences.
• Strategic thinking, political awareness, and sound judgment, with the ability to spot and act on policy opportunities, risks, and influence points.

Desirable

• Excellent understanding of UK government structures and relevant departments (e.g. DfT, DEFRA, DESNZ, HMT), as well as international aviation organisations (e.g. ICAO, EASA, NAAs), including their sustainability and environmental agendas.
• Strong understanding of sustainability and environmental challenges and opportunities within the aviation sector, or a willingness and ability to rapidly develop subject matter expertise.
• A proactive and diplomatic approach, capable of navigating complex political and organisational environments. Effective relationship builder who has a track record of collaborating with various stakeholders, including industry.
• Team leadership and collaboration experience, including leading small, high-performing teams and working across internal departments (e.g. strategy, policy, communications) to ensure coherence and alignment in sustainability work.

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.

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 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: 17th February 2026

Interview Date: w/c 23rd February 2026