At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic initiatives and drive organisational excellence in a dynamic aviation environment.
- Company: Join the UK's leading aviation and aerospace regulator with a commitment to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a free onsite gym at Gatwick.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of continuous learning and collaboration with diverse teams.
- Why this job: Shape organisational strategy and influence executive decision-making at the heart of the industry.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Salary: Up to £90,000 per annum dependent upon experience
Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time
Security Level: SC
Location: Gatwick – 2 days office attendance expected per week
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 Role
We are seeking an exceptional Head of Business Delivery to provide senior strategic and operational leadership in support of the Chief Finance & Operating Officer (CFOO). This is a high-impact role at the heart of the organisation, ensuring the CFOO’s priorities are clearly aligned, effectively delivered, and embedded across CES.
As a trusted advisor and critical partner, you will work at pace across complex, cross-cutting initiatives — driving delivery, ensuring alignment to strategic objectives, and enabling executive decision-making at the highest level. This is a unique opportunity for a senior leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys problem-solving, and is passionate about delivering organisational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Executive Leadership & Support
- Act as a strategic partner to the CFOO, providing insight, advice, and recommendations to inform key decisions
- Translate the CFOO’s priorities into clear, structured, and deliverable plans
- Manage the flow of information between the CFOO and the CES Leadership Team
- Lead preparation for executive meetings, Board engagements, and high-level briefings
- Strategic Planning & Delivery
- Support the development and delivery of organisational strategy and annual plans
- Implement robust performance frameworks to track delivery and identify risks
- Monitor progress against CFOO priorities, ensuring delivery milestones are achieved
- Drive momentum and accountability following executive decisions and engagements
- Balance short-term pressures with long-term strategic outcomes
- Budget & Resource Management
- Lead business and financial planning, including budgeting and in-year forecasting
- Oversee procurement, purchasing, and financial governance arrangements
- Ensure transparent and effective use of resources, with clear reporting to the CFOO
- Coordinate workforce and establishment planning, working closely with Finance and P&C teams
- Support recruitment planning and delivery across the department
- Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders engaging with the CFOO
- Build and maintain strong relationships across the organisation and with strategic partners
- Navigate and influence complex organisational dynamics with credibility and authenticity
About You
You will be an experienced and credible senior leader with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels. You will bring strong judgement, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of delivering results through others.
Experience
- Demonstrable senior leadership experience, with a track record of enabling high-performing teams
- Extensive experience in strategy, operations, or business management roles
- Proven success leading complex, cross-functional programmes or transformations
- Strong background in financial planning, resource management, and performance reporting
- Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders in complex organisational environments
Skills & Capabilities
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate vision into actionable plans
- Analytical Insight: Strong capability to synthesise complex data into clear recommendations
- Executive Communication: Skilled in producing high-quality briefings, reports, and presentations
- Influence & Collaboration: Builds trusted relationships to drive alignment and delivery
- Delivery Focus: Results-driven with high levels of professionalism and integrity
- Governance Expertise: Strong understanding of governance, risk, and executive processes
- Sector Awareness: Knowledge of aviation and aerospace sectors is advantageous
Why Join Us?
- Work at the centre of executive decision-making
- Shape and influence organisational strategy at scale
- Collaborate with senior leaders across the business
- Play a critical role in delivering meaningful outcomes
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 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: Sunday 21st June 2026
Interview Date: W/C Monday 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.
Head of Business Delivery in London employer: UK Civil Aviation Authority
Join the UK's leading aviation and aerospace regulator, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping organisational strategy and driving excellence. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer flexible working arrangements, a supportive work culture, and a range of benefits including a free onsite gym and generous leave options. Our dynamic environment fosters collaboration and continuous learning, making it an ideal place for senior leaders looking to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
UK Civil Aviation Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Business Delivery in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aviation and aerospace sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their strategic goals. Plus, it gives you great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your executive communication skills. You’ll need to articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex strategies. Mock interviews with friends can help you nail this down.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Business Delivery in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Tailored CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Business Delivery role. Highlight your senior leadership experience and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Write a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your skills and experiences meet the person specification. Be sure to show your passion for the aviation sector and how you can contribute to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your documents and gives you a chance to explore more about us and our values.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Civil Aviation Authority
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand their role in the aviation and aerospace sectors, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their strategic objectives. This shows you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to their vision.
✨Prepare for Executive Conversations
Given the seniority of the role, practice articulating your thoughts on complex topics like strategic planning and resource management. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully led cross-functional teams and delivered results in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Business Delivery, your leadership style is crucial. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your collaborative approach and how you’ve navigated complex organisational dynamics in the past.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Ask about their current challenges or future initiatives, which will show your genuine interest and strategic thinking. This can set you apart from other candidates.
