Overview
You will play a leading role in driving the delivery of the CAA’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy, working across the CAA to develop new policies that drive sustainability outcomes, including identifying where new legislation or regulatory action may be needed to drive improved environmental outcomes and embed sustainability into our decision making.
You will also work with our Environmental Sustainability Panel, ensuring the CAA is building a strong understanding of aviation’s impact on people and the environment so that our decision-making is credible and robust. You will work with nationally and internationally renowned environmental sustainability experts and help the CAA contribute to addressing one of the most pressing issues in aviation today. The role will also be expected to support raising the profile of the Sustainability Team and building a cross-CAA sustainability culture, through ongoing development of the Sustainability Learning Hub and another internal communications initiative.
This is a phenomenal role for someone who possesses not only strong policy development and internal governance skills and experience, but who also has a real passion for environmental sustainability.
Core Accountabilities
Sustainability Policy Principal – Core Accountabilities
Strategic policy leadership:
- Lead the development, implementation and review of sustainability policy across areas such as consumer information, zero‑emission flight, non‑CO₂, noise and air quality.
- Ensure sustainability is embedded in wider CAA policy development and aligned with regulatory and strategic priorities.
- Maintain strong, evidence‑based insight into emerging sustainability issues and their implications for aviation.
Decision-making and assurance:
- Own and drive defined environmental sustainability policy areas, setting direction and progressing work autonomously within agreed frameworks.
- Provide authoritative advice on complex or ambiguous policy and regulatory matters, acting as the first point of escalation.
Cross-CAA coordination:
- Secure alignment across CAA teams and senior leaders on sustainability priorities and approaches.
- Lead and coordinate cross‑functional projects with organisation‑wide impact.
Influencing and stakeholder engagement:
- Build effective relationships and influence internal and external stakeholders on complex sustainability issues.
- Represent the CAA confidently in discussions with external bodies.
Environmental Sustainability Panel Manager – Core Accountabilities
Policy implementation and governance:
- Oversee the effective operation of the Environmental Sustainability Panel, delivering the annual and quarterly work programme.
- Translate regulatory and strategic priorities into a clear, deliverable plan and monitor progress.
Assurance and escalation:
- Act as the first escalation point for complex sustainability issues arising through the Panel’s work.
- Ensure Panel advice is evidence‑based, proportionate and suitable for regulatory and strategic decision‑making.
Cross-functional coordination:
- Coordinate activity across CAA functions to ensure timely, relevant Panel input aligned with organisational priorities.
- Support colleagues in shaping requests to maximise value, and build the Panel’s profile as a trusted expert forum.
Influencing and stakeholder engagement:
- Build strong relationships with senior leaders, Panel members and subject-matter experts.
- Influence and negotiate across stakeholder groups to secure engagement and manage differing views.
About You
Essential
- Strong experience of stakeholder engagement and influence, including senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and engagement skills with an ability to work with people at all levels.
- The ability to work collaboratively with others across multi-disciplinary groups.
- Ability to present information clearly, in particular translating technical information into a form that can be digested by a non-expert audience.
Desirable
- Experience of working with panels, forums, or providing board or equivalent management.
- Experience of drafting clear, concise briefing notes and position papers for senior stakeholders.
- Knowledge of the CAA’s policy approach environmental sustainability issues and an understanding of aviation’s environmental impacts, or proven ability to quickly develop such knowledge and understanding, is desirable.
- Knowledge of monitoring and tracking delivery and impact of communications activity is preferable but not essential.
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.
For more information on BPSS clearance please visit – BPSS clearance
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.
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 – For more information please Click Here
Interview Date: 9th ,10th ,11th March 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.
