At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance improvement projects and deliver impactful business analysis.
- Company: Join the UK's leading aviation and aerospace regulator.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a free gym, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Embrace a collaborative culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in aviation safety while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Business Analyst with finance knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Gatwick, GB
Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum dependent upon experience
Contract Type: 12 - 18 Month Fixed Term Contract
Security Level: BPSS
Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
Please note that both a CV and a cover letter are required for any application detailing how you meet the person specification for the role.
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 Senior Business Analyst is a key role that supports the delivery of Finance Improvement projects through the provision and application of effective and robust Business Analysis activities. Additional to being accountable for core business analysis activity on projects, ranging from scoping, options definition to requirements gathering and management and process design, the Senior Business Analyst will be influential in:
- Owning the business case creation process where key relationships with sponsors, the business, finance, and procurement are built to define the value of change clearly and accurately to CAA.
- Leading and mentoring business users and delivery team members in business analysis approaches and techniques.
- Guiding the delivery team in the effective deployment of business analysis capabilities to deliver the right outcomes for the project.
- Deploying principles of Government Digital Services (GDS) to delivery projects that conform to Discovery, Alpha and Beta phasing, and to understand the core approaches to delivering change that conforms to this approach.
To be effective, the post-holder will have the ability to work independently, proactively and with versatility in responding to changing circumstances. The post-holder must be confident in challenging senior business sponsors where appropriate and need to ensure that proposed approaches and solutions address problems and not symptoms and provide value for money. This role requires a curiosity in what CAA does and who the internal and external stakeholders are. It requires someone to have an expansive and holistic mindset, looking for synergies and conflicts across the portfolio.
Facilitate business/supplier engagement to deliver required business analysis activities. This will include owning the initial business justification definition and seeing it through various approval gates.
Deliver high-quality, holistic, and robust business analysis outcomes including business cases, options and feasibility studies, requirements capture and management and process design, conforming to the principles of the GDS approach.
Act as the lead Business Analyst on Finance Improvement projects and provide business analysis direction, support and guidance to business users and delivery team members, as appropriate.
Ensure that proposed solutions align with strategic business objectives and identify synergies across differing change initiatives.
Support the Business Change team in accurately identifying relevant stakeholders and their current interest in the project.
Work closely with Product Owners, sponsor(s), business and project colleagues, ensuring that their perspectives are understood, and work planned accordingly.
Share best practice analyses and findings from project with wider analysis team, seeking knowledge share and upskilling opportunities.
Act as an ambassador for the Portfolio Delivery Business Analysis practice.
About You
The post holder will:
- Have operated as a Senior Business Analyst in a variety of organisations.
- Have experience and knowledge of Finance and Procurement services.
- Be experienced in engaging with finance and accounting colleagues, understanding their language and the constraints of implementing change into a regulated team.
- Be experienced in acting as a lead-BA on complex, wide-ranging projects and programmes.
- Understand how to objectively measure the value of differing initiatives and associated prioritisation.
- Be experienced in working with the Business and IT Department to identify the most appropriate solution(s) given the Business objectives, priorities and other project/programme dependencies.
- Have a detailed understanding of the Analysis role in a range of methods including experiences of working with Product Owners both during project delivery and as part of a continuous improvement regime, and of delivering outcomes following the GDS approach.
- Be fully conversant with the creation of complex business cases and project justifications.
- Have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with all staff and management.
- Ensure a high degree of accuracy and attention in outputs and deliverables.
- Be experienced in leading BAs within a project team where you are accountable for the overall BA deliverables.
- Hold an enterprise view of the organisation and be able to identify synergies across change initiatives.
- Optionally – be educated to degree-level and/or holds a recognised Financial/Business Analysis/Business Architecture/Enterprise Architecture qualification, for example IIBA, TOGAF or BCS.
- Optionally – have operated in a business or IT consultancy environment.
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.
BPSSTo 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.
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.
Use of Artificial Intelligence by candidates in the CAA recruitment process
We recognise that many of our candidates find Artificial Intelligence to be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.
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 22nd May 2026
Interview Date: 1st Stage – Friday 29th May or Monday 1st June 2026
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.
Senior Business Analyst employer: Civil Aviation Authority
Contact Detail:
Civil Aviation Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Business Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the CAA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to business analysis. We should also be ready to discuss our past projects and how they align with the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our analytical skills during the interview. Bring examples of how we've tackled complex problems in previous roles, especially in finance and procurement contexts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why we’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Business Analyst role. Highlight your experience in finance and procurement, and showcase any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how you meet the person specification and why you're excited about this role. Be genuine and let your personality come through – we love to see enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: As a Senior Business Analyst, your analytical skills are key. In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully tackled complex problems and delivered high-quality outcomes. We want to know how you think and approach challenges!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at StudySmarter. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Aviation Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Senior Business Analyst, especially in the context of finance improvement projects. Brush up on your knowledge of GDS principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past roles.
✨Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
Since both a CV and cover letter are required, ensure they specifically highlight your experience with finance and procurement services. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to lead complex projects and engage with stakeholders effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to challenge senior sponsors. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder relationships or delivered robust business analysis outcomes.
✨Show Your Curiosity
Demonstrate your interest in the CAA and its mission. Research their recent projects and challenges in the aviation sector, and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals and values.