Location
London

Hours
Full Time - Permanent

Salary
£70,094 up to £90,000 dependent upon experience

About the Role
We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator, recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities enable the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on adapting to the constantly evolving aviation environment. We are seeking a proactive and strategically minded individual to join the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as Head of Sustainability Impact and Government Relations. This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring the CAA's sustainability work delivers measurable and meaningful impact both internally and externally through effective policy influence, government and industry collaboration, and international representation.

The postholder will maximise the visibility, relevance, and effectiveness of the CAA's sustainability efforts across UK government, international regulatory bodies, and the aviation sector. You will build and leverage strategic networks across government and industry to drive forward the CAA's sustainability strategy and goals. Accountability includes identifying key decision-makers, building strong cross-government and industry networks, and delivering compelling evidence-based arguments for change, working closely with environment reporting and research functions.

Core Accountabilities
Impact Delivery and Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and delivery of an impact strategy for the CAA's sustainability agenda, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and sustainability priorities. Oversee the definition, tracking, and communication of impact metrics and outcomes, ensuring sustainability activities contribute to real-world change in aviation policy and practice. Support internal teams to embed impact thinking into sustainability programmes, policies, and initiatives.

Government Relations and Policy Influence: Develop and execute a targeted and proactive sustainability government engagement strategy, identifying key individuals, departments (e.g. DfT, DEFRA, DESNZ, HMT), and policy moments to influence. Collaborate with the international team and Chief Technical Noise Advisor to contribute to global environmental standards and policies through international forums (e.g. ICAO, EASA, NAAs), ensuring the CAA remains a leading international voice in shaping aviation's environmental future. Provide high-quality, evidence-based briefings and policy advice to government and represent the CAA as a credible advisor to senior civil servants, special advisors, and ministers.

Industry Stakeholder Relations: Develop strategic partnerships with airports, airlines, manufacturers, and trade bodies to communicate CAA priorities and enable collaborative approaches.

Cross-CAA Coordination: Lead a small team and coordinate with internal policy, strategy, and communications teams to ensure a unified voice and evidence-based positioning on key sustainability issues.

Additional Information
This role requires BPSS security clearance and the right to work in the UK. The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity. The organisation supports hybrid and flexible working patterns and offers excellent benefits including a free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership in London, 28 days annual leave plus additional leave purchase scheme, and a generous pension scheme. The CAA is relocating its Gatwick office to new premises within a 15-mile radius by 2028 to better meet strategic, operational, and environmental needs.

The CAA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, guaranteeing interviews for applicants meeting minimum criteria under the Disability Confident scheme. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and provide adjustments as needed.

Experience
- Strong experience in government engagement, public affairs, or policy within a governmental and aviation context.
- Proven ability to operate credibly and effectively with senior civil servants, special advisors, and ministers.
- Track record of shaping and influencing policy and legislation nationally and internationally.
- Demonstrable leadership in strategy and impact delivery, including developing and communicating measurable sustainability outcomes.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, able to translate complex concepts into accessible messaging.
- Strategic thinking, political awareness, and sound judgment to identify and act on policy opportunities and risks.

About You
- Excellent understanding of UK government structures and relevant departments (e.g. DfT, DEFRA, DESNZ, HMT) and international aviation organisations (e.g. ICAO, EASA, NAAs) with their sustainability agendas.
- Strong understanding of sustainability and environmental challenges in aviation or willingness to rapidly develop expertise.
- Proactive and diplomatic approach, capable of navigating complex political and organisational environments.
- Effective relationship builder with a track record of collaborating with diverse stakeholders including industry.
- Experienced in leading small, high-performing teams and working across internal departments (strategy, policy, communications) to ensure alignment in sustainability work.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated, but relevant experience and a strong track record in sustainability, government relations, and leadership within aviation or related sectors are essential.