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.
For more information on SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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.
Job Segment: Relationship Manager, Aerospace, Strategic Planning, Procurement, Aviation, Customer Service, Strategy, Operations
