Senior Advisor - Airline Licensing

This role supports the delivery of the CAA’s airline licensing function by providing expert advice and analysis on regulatory matters affecting UK and third‑country air carriers. It involves evaluating complex licensing issues such as insurance, traffic rights, ownership and control, contributing to regulatory policy development, and leading data‑driven evaluations of air carrier operations. The role also assists the Head of Airline Licensing in shaping strategic direction across safety, commercial, and market access matters and manages the operational framework that underscores the team’s work.

Key Areas of Focus / Responsibilities

• Licensing: Take, contribute, and make recommendations in the evaluation and licensing of new and existing UK and non‑UK air carriers, such as foreign carrier permits, third country operating certificate (TCO), Operating Licence. Contribute expertise to the Consumer and Markets Group (CMG) and CAA licensing work programmes surrounding policy and regulatory implementation. Unilaterally undertake measured enforcement action against carriers that breach the air navigation order and report outcomes to the Head of Airline Licensing (HoAL).
• Airline Licensing Policy: Contribute to the development of new and the enhancement of existing policies and guidelines. Draft and deliver external publications in relation to airline licensing policy issues ranging from direct communications, website material and official records.
• Team Management: Lead, train, and motivate colleagues to support personal development. Work across multiple streams and balance workloads within the team. Identify emerging and future risks arising from UK Operators and non‑UK operators in UK Airspace and overseas. Assist or represent the Head of Airline Licensing (HoAL) in matters including resource management, operational development, and risk mitigation.
• Stakeholder Management: Actively support with establishing and maintaining stakeholder relationships at government departmental and carrier level. Represent the CAA at conferences, events, workshops, forums and engage senior stakeholders of the Total Aviation System. Support relevant CAA departments in delivering safety enhancements in line with air safety activities.
• Airline Licensing Operations: Play a key role in the Airline Licensing team with the development, management, and improvement of internal and ‘customer’ facing IT platforms that the team relies on for operational delivery. Focus on continuous improvement ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the licensing process. Assist the HoAL to identify and develop clear indicators for delivery to the Airline Licensing objectives, as well as seeking to mitigate risks to their delivery.
• Additional Responsibilities: Make decisions or escalation to the Manager Airline Licensing on matters such as grant or variation of licences or permits, compliance issues, proposals for regulatory or other remedial action or complex matters arising from the failure of an airline. Offer technical support to Air Safety Unit (ASU), CAA Strategy & Planning (CSP), Innovation, International Group, the Department for Transport (DfT) and other working groups. Consult closely with colleagues in Safety Airspace Regulation Group (SARG) and the Department for Transport in relation to decision making and the grant of licences and foreign carrier permits.

About You

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess information and make sound decisions against a published framework.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present well‑reasoned recommendations and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead, develop and motivate multi‑disciplinary project teams.
• Proven experience in regulatory, compliance, or licensing environments, ideally within aviation, transport, or a similarly regulated sector.
• Sound understanding of designing and working in accordance with internal operational guidance and audit methodology.
• Confidently deliver in a fast pace and against evolving time constraints in a highly regulated environment.
• Educated to degree level in a finance, policy, legal or related subject.
• Confidently influence and engage with an extremely broad level of stakeholders.
• Able to prepare reports that include recommendations.
• Able to independently manage competing priorities, while contributing to team objectives and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable working with digital systems and contributing to the development of online processes.
• Understand licensing and permit processes in a regulatory environment.
• Qualification in Project management, Auditing, Management, or leadership.

Additional Information: This role requires access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. National Security Vetting and appropriate clearance are required. Typically a minimum of three years UK residency is expected before vetting. 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.

Inclusive Recruitment: The CAA is enthusiastic about diversity and ensuring all are included. The CAA is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The CAA is a member of the Disability Confident scheme and applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Working With Us: We offer hybrid working and flexible working patterns, openness to conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important to achieving a work‑life balance. Benefits include flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, an additional 5‑day leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more.

Our Values: Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone. 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.