Aviation Security Advisor in London

Salary: £28,000 to £34,000 (dependent on experience)

Contract Type: Permanent

Security Level: SC

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

Location: The post is based at the CAA’s London office at Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf. However, scope exists for flexible working subject to business needs with occasional travel to our Gatwick head office.

Closing Date: Friday 21st August 2026

Interview Date: Commencing Tuesday 1st September 2026

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 Role

The CAA provides expert advice and assistance to Government on the development of aviation security policy and regulation, and to the aviation industry on its delivery. It is also responsible for oversight and assurance of effective aviation security by industry in the UK. Training plays a key role in this: it forms an integral part of the regulatory regime, for example in setting down mandatory training and qualifications for security personnel and is increasingly recognised as one of the most important factors governing performance in the delivery of effective aviation security.

We are looking to recruit an Aviation Security Advisor to work within the Aviation Security Training team. This team sits within the wider Human Performance and Training (HPT) division and is part of Aviation Security (AvSec) directorate. The team works very closely with both the Compliance and Regulation divisions within AvSec, as well as the Department for Transport (DfT) and other external stakeholders on aviation security training policy.

The successful applicant will need to hold, or be willing and able to obtain, security vetting to at least Security Check (SC) level clearance (NB: this requires uninterrupted residency in the UK for a minimum of 5 years).

Core Accountabilities:

• Maintain and update the database of certificated aviation security instructors, including proactively monitoring expiration dates of checks and certifications.
• Review and assess instructor certification applications that include: background checks, vetting clearances, education and training records, and operational competence documentation; prepare a recommendation (file) for management approval.
• Provide information, guidance and support to both external stakeholders, the DfT, and CAA colleagues on general training and certification matters.
• Provide first line technical advice to aviation security instructors on the regulatory requirements for training and assist the team in developing future requirements.
• Maintain the egress library of documents for stakeholders and support local SharePoint and communication sites.
• Plan, communicate and administer internal and external stakeholder meetings and events.
• Project work and activities to support the wider HPT division, including the Testing and Security Management Systems (SeMS) teams as directed.
• Extract, clean, and analyse training and security data to prepare regular reports and presentations, identify trends, and support management with business planning.

About You

We are seeking an individual who understands the vital role aviation security plays in keeping the travelling public safe. The successful candidate will be a strong team player with the ability to work independently when required.

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive working environment, guided by the CAA’s values and our mission to protect consumers and maintain the highest standards of safety and security. If this opportunity aligns with your skills and aspirations, we encourage you to apply—we would be delighted to hear from you.

Essential:

• Good IT skills in the use of common applications (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint).
• Good written and oral skills, together with a confident manner in dealing with people at all levels within CAA, industry, DfT and other related bodies.
• The ability to manage own workload and to work unsupervised using own initiative, whilst being able to identify when to refer to others for advice.
• Able to work collaboratively or as part of a multi-discipline team, with a flexible, adaptable work ethos.
• Experience working with and presenting various data streams.
• A good understanding of data protection principles.

Desirable:

• Experience in data interrogation or data modelling using Microsoft D365 or other similar programmes.
• Ability to problem solve with limited data and draw conclusions.
• Experience in taking minutes or performing a secretariat role (report writing, meeting logistics and bookings etc).
• Experience working with certification and e-service platforms like Tasman.
• An understanding of training principles and/or experience delivering training.
• Knowledge of AvSec regulation and practices, including Digital National X-Ray testing (DNXCT).
• A basic understanding of the principles of SeMS and Risk Based Oversight (RBO).

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. SC - To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years.

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 committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview. Find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Working With Us: Explore What We Offer section on our careers website to find out about our benefits and how we support work-life balance.

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.