Aerodrome Compliance Lead in Crawley

Aerodrome Compliance Lead

Permanent contract

Salary From £89,265 + £7,500 flex allowance + Up to 30% Bonus + Benefits

Great journeys happen at London Gatwick. Where will your career take you?

The buzz, the energy, the sheer magic of travel… you can feel it in the air all around you. Here, you'll be part of an energetic team and a vibrant community. We can help you thrive in a career that's a world away from the everyday.

This role takes an office first hybrid approach here at London Gatwick, with three days a week in the office, two days remote, managed around the needs of the business.

What is the role?

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Aerodrome Compliance Lead to lead and oversee aerodrome regulatory compliance, ensuring continued Aerodrome Certification with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This is a critical leadership role responsible for maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance, risk management, and operational governance across the aerodrome. Reporting at a senior level, you will act as the principal authority on aerodrome compliance matters, working closely with regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and internal operational teams to ensure all regulatory obligations are met while supporting the airport's operational and commercial objectives.

What will you do?

• Lead and deliver the Aerodrome Compliance Management System, ensuring full compliance with UK aviation regulatory requirements.
• Champion aerodrome operational risk management processes and promote a strong safety culture across the organisation.
• Represent the aerodrome at industry, regulatory, safety, and compliance forums.
• Chair the Aerodrome Local Runway Safety Team (LRST) in accordance with UK regulations and GAPPRI requirements.
• Chair the Flight Operations Performance and Safety Committee (FLOPSC).
• Ensure mandatory reporting of Civil Aviation Safety Occurrences in line with applicable UK regulations.
• Initiate and oversee investigations, providing guidance and ensuring effective corrective actions are identified and implemented.
• Ensure all required aerodrome surveys are conducted and maintained to support regulatory compliance.
• Maintain, review, update and communicate changes to the Aerodrome Manual.
• Act as Aerodrome Safety Manager, overseeing the Airfield Operations Safety Management System and ensuring the aerodrome remains safeguarded and compliant.
• Serve as the primary sponsor for the UK Gatwick (EGKK) Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).
• Work collaboratively with operational and commercial stakeholders to balance regulatory requirements with business objectives.

Do you have what we're looking for?

• Extensive knowledge and practical experience of UK (EU) 139/2014 regulations, ICAO SARPs, and CAA regulatory oversight requirements.
• Strong understanding of Compliance Monitoring Systems and their application within a regulated aviation environment.
• Proven experience engaging with and influencing aviation regulators, industry bodies, and key stakeholders.
• Comprehensive knowledge of aerodrome and airline operations.
• Significant experience in safety management systems, quality management systems, and aviation risk management.
• Experience establishing, implementing, or overseeing Management of Change processes.
• A proven ability to balance compliance obligations with operational and commercial priorities.
• Knowledge of aerodrome safeguarding requirements and associated regulatory frameworks.
• Strong understanding of Aerodrome Manual requirements and governance.
• Working knowledge of the UK AIP, including associated procedures such as NOTAMs and Supplements.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and influence at all levels.
• Exceptional report-writing, verbal communication, and presentation skill.

What's in it for you?

We value our people and reward every employee fairly with a highly competitive package, enhanced by a discretionary annual bonus, free staff parking, discounted rail travel to work, share matching scheme and more. We offer a rewarding world of flexible benefits you can tailor to the things that matter to you most. There's also plenty of opportunities for career progression, as well as training to support your personal and professional development.

At London Gatwick we're also very well connected, just 30 minutes from central London and directly linked to over 100 towns and cities. Whether you prefer to travel by cycle, electric car, or train, we aim to make your journey to work as convenient and cost-effective as possible.

At London Gatwick, our people are our biggest asset. We want our people to thrive and have the best experience while working with us. We know we are all at our best when we feel comfortable and included.

We are an organisation that places diversity, equity and inclusion at its heart. Our aim: to create a place where everyone belongs and has a voice, and we recognise we all play an important role in our success.

London Gatwick supports an inclusive recruitment process, enabling you to perform at your best. Please make us aware as part of your application should you require any reasonable adjustments. We welcome disabled applicants.