At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead aviation safety policy and oversee rulemaking for the UK’s aviation sector.
- Company: Department for Transport, committed to innovation and safety in aviation.
- Benefits: Generous pension contributions, 25+ days leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent support and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of UK aviation safety and make a real impact post-EU Exit.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 57671 £ per year.
- 475425 Senior Domestic Aviation Safety Policy Advisor and Head of Rulemaking
- Department for Transport
- Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 23rd August 2026
Location
- Birmingham, Leeds, London (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
- A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
This is an exciting opportunity to be responsible for overseeing UK aviation safety rulemaking.
Following EU Exit, the Df T is delegating some rulemaking power to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), to speed up technical rulemaking.
This role will oversee CAA and Df T rulemaking, ensuring coherence, strategic alignment and effective and proportionate oversight.
Our aim is to deliver a legislative system that is flexible, proportionate and efficient to support wider government objectives.
You will need to understand complex technical information and be able to communicate this simply and clearly.
You will need to consider long‑term strategic priorities, considering the UK’s future regulatory needs given the pace of innovation and change in the sector.
You will be an expert in building collaborative relationships to ensure effective and proportionate oversight of the CAA’s delegated rulemaking power.
There will also be the opportunity to develop and lead a domestic policy portfolio, which will include developing and implementing policy changes to the aviation safety system.
- Top Responsibilities
- Domestic policy work
- Leading on several key domestic policy areas, such as dangerous goods policy, which includes safe carriage of lithium batteries, a significant project with the CAA.
- Supporting Grade 7 to manage the policy interfaces between the Aviation Directorate and external stakeholders; building a network of contacts in government and industry to support delivery of the team’s workplan.
- Leading submissions regarding our domestic policy and strategy development and providing proactive advice on current policy challenges including for Ministers and senior officials.
- Oversee the rule making programme for aviation safety, working with the CAA to ensure they are delivering a rulemaking programme in line with our international responsibilities that also delivers against other government priorities.
- Coordinate and run Df T’s secondary legislation programme, including delivering legislation that remains the purview of Df T.
- Develop close and collaborative relationships with the CAA that enable effective and proportionate Df T oversight of the CAA’s delegated rulemaking power.
For more information on the role and responsibilities please see the full job advert on CS Jobs using the link provided.
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You
- Experience developing policy and an understanding of open policy-making approaches, techniques and requirements.
- Skilled in developing excellent working relationships and communicating with a diverse group of stakeholders.
The successful candidate will need to collaborate effectively to build positive relationships with colleagues across the Department and with industry partners.
- Strong organisational skills and an ability to work across multiple competing priorities.
- Be able to present technical information in a straightforward and easily understandable way, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- A good understanding of the legislative process, and secondary legislation in general.
- This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Sunday 23rd August 2026
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Domestic Aviation Safety Policy Advisor and Head of Rulemaking in Birmingham employer: Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom
Join the National Transport Casework Team and experience a fulfilling career where your contributions directly impact the UK’s transport network. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer excellent career development opportunities, including funding for professional qualifications, alongside a generous pension scheme and flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and support, ensuring you thrive in a dynamic environment while making a meaningful difference.
Contact Details:
Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Domestic Aviation Safety Policy Advisor and Head of Rulemaking in Birmingham
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Domestic Aviation Safety Policy Advisor and Head of Rulemaking in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom.
