At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Safety & Assurance team and develop safety strategies for aviation.
- Company: Join the CAA, a leader in aviation safety and regulation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, gym access, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
- 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.
In accordance with the CAA Strategic Plan and values, the incumbent will lead the Safety & Assurance team (formerly the Safety team within 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.
- Report to the Group Director Safety & Airspace Regulation Group (GD SARG) and collaborate with the SARG Executive Committee (ExCo) and CAA Leadership 50 (L50) members to support the GD SARG on 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 a member of the CAA L50 to the Safety & Assurance team.
- Lead day‑to‑day activities of safety risk management and compliance monitoring functions, working closely with the SARG L50, Shared Services Centre (SSC), CAA International 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.
- Engage with the Department for Transport (DfT) Aviation Safety team and other UK SSP partners on the UK SSP.
- 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
- Lead the decision‑making process on changes to the RSMS and safety governance, coordinating change recommendations to the GD SARG.
- Agree and set 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.
- Set the agenda for the SAGG and contribute to the agendas for the SRC and SLG.
Influencing
- Influence worldwide with ICAO, FAA, EASA and other National Aviation Authorities on safety risk management and compliance monitoring.
- Influence the DfT and other UK SSP partners with best practice gained through CAA development and operational experience.
- Develop and nurture a working relationship with the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB).
- Influence SARG colleagues at all levels to engage and operate within the RSMS framework.
- Promote and support activities that create and 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
- Manage a combined team of around 40 colleagues, largely technical specialists in safety risk management, compliance monitoring, data intelligence and other niche specialisms.
- Manage a budget of circa £2.8m.
- Organise, conduct and/or participate in seminars, workshops, meetings and training to assist CAA Teams and 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 frameworks 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.
- Ability 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. Post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance. SC clearance requires a reasonable period of residency in the UK; for this role this will be 5 years.
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Free onsite gym at Gatwick.
- Discounted gym membership for London.
- 28 days annual leave plus an additional 5 days leave purchase scheme.
- Generous pension scheme.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The CAA is an equal‑opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role 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
We recognise that many candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support their application. All examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting ideas and experiences of others, or generated by AI, as your own), applications may be rejected on that basis.
About the Employer
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.
Head of Safety and Assurance in Horley employer: Civil Aviation Authority
The CAA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety and assurance are at the forefront of aviation management. With flexible working arrangements, a generous pension scheme, and access to a free onsite gym at Gatwick, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance while contributing to national safety objectives. The organisation fosters a culture of inclusivity and professional growth, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their career in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Safety and Assurance in Horley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the aviation industry, especially those connected to safety and assurance. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the CAA's values and strategic plans. Show us that you’re not just familiar with safety management systems but also passionate about leading teams and driving compliance. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership experience and innovative approaches.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your decision-making process and how you've tackled complex safety challenges in the past. This will help you feel more confident when it’s showtime!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s see what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safety and Assurance in Horley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in safety management and leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Head of Safety and Assurance, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a key part of the CAA L50, your ability to lead is crucial. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful teams you've managed. We love seeing examples of how you've inspired others in safety risk management.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to understand and directly address the job requirements. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like safety and compliance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Aviation Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the CAA's State Safety Programme and the regulatory frameworks involved. Brush up on ISO 9001 accreditation and safety risk management principles, as these will likely come up during your interview.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in safety management or compliance monitoring. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you inspired your team to overcome them. This role is all about effective leadership!
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to discuss how you’ve influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your experience working with various aviation authorities and how you’ve built relationships that foster collaboration and compliance.
✨Problem-Solving Mindset
Expect questions that assess your decision-making skills. Prepare to share instances where you’ve tackled complex safety issues and how your solutions benefited the organisation. Demonstrating a clear thought process will impress the interviewers.
