Head of Airline Finance and Licensing in London

Salary: £105,000 up to £110,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time - Hybrid

Security Level: BPSS

Location: London – Canary Wharf (min 2 days in the office per week).

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a leader in aviation safety, security, and consumer protection. Our work is incredibly varied from setting and enforcing safety regulations, licensing airlines, and protecting consumers to enabling technological innovation such as drones, and spaceflight. We are a forward-thinking regulator that embraces innovation, adapts quickly to emerging risks, and supports sustainable industry growth.

The Role

This is a key senior role within the ATOL and Airline Licensing Department which is responsible for the financial oversight and licensing of UK registered airlines and tour operators and granting relevant permits to foreign carriers seeking to operate to the UK. Additionally, the department contributes to the financial oversight of UK space operators.

In your role you will be responsible for leading the Airline Financial Oversight & Licensing Team, ensuring robust financial and regulatory oversight of UK airlines, foreign carriers, and where required, space operators.

Further responsibilities include:

• Manage financial complex, high-risk cases, and make potentially high-value, high impact licensing decisions, and deliver clear, expert recommendations to senior leadership and the CAA Board.
• Oversee a rigorous financial risk management framework for UK operators (and where applicable, space operators), ensuring effective identification and mitigation of financial, licensing, and operational risks.
• Ensure all airline licensing activity meets the highest regulatory standards, delivering efficiency, consistency, and strong organisational impact.
• Play a key role in the departmental leadership team, driving annual priorities and developing a high-performing team of financial and licensing specialists.
• Drive the evolution of airline financial oversight and licensing policy and guidance informed by industry trends, strengthening regulatory effectiveness and industry resilience.
• Drive continuous improvement across airline licensing operations, motivating teams, developing talent to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders across regulated entities, international carriers, Government, and aviation organisations, representing the CAA externally and collaborating effectively across internal teams.

What we Need from You

• Strategic, forward-thinking leadership style supported by a strong work ethic and collaborative mindset.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams while delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Strong analytical and judgement skills to shape high-quality financial, business, and licensing decisions.
• Skilled in senior-level stakeholder engagement across industry, Government, and aviation bodies.
• A naturally curious mindset paired with a strong commitment to continuous learning.
• Ability to comprehend and manage complex cases, ask probing questions and deliver effective solutions.
• A highly organised with ability to thrive under pressure.
• Ability to handle multiple cases and adapt shifting priorities.
• ACA/ACCA (or equivalent), corporate finance, financial restructuring or qualified by experience.

Desirable

• Knowledge of UK airline and travel company operations and regulatory environment.
• Solid understanding of relevant policy and regulatory frameworks.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with solid financial expertise, a passion for the fast-moving aviation sector, and a desire to make a real and lasting impact.

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. To 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: 23rd June 2026

Interview Date: w/c 6th July 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.