Head of Aviation Security Compliance

Salary: £100,000 to £110,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: SC

 

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

 

The Aviation Security Compliance (ASC) Function is responsible for oversight of regulated aviation entities to ensure they meet their legally mandated aviation security requirements. The role of ASC is to conduct compliance monitoring activities comprising observations, inspections, audits and tests and gather evidence which demonstrates entities are meeting their legal duties.  Where security standards are below the required level and non-compliance is identified, the team shall take proportionate, effective and timely rectification and enforcement action.  All feedback from compliance monitoring activity is captured within a secure database which ensures evidence is available to demonstrate that a robust aviation security regime is in place throughout the UK.

 

The role of the Head of Aviation Security Compliance is to lead and manage a team of Auditors, Managers and Department Heads responsible for planning, delivering, and recording oversight activity conducted at all UK directed aviation entities.  They will define, review and continually improve the Compliance Operating Model and ensure this is communicated to and understand by the team.

 

The individual is required to build strong working relationships with senior CAA Corporate functions and industry stakeholders (predominantly at Director level); undertake trend analysis and recommend actions which will continually improve compliance levels; ensure resources are deployed in line with business priorities and in a way which maximises efficiency and effectiveness; authorise and oversee compliance escalation in the form of tailored legal action to address serious non-compliance; identify and develop strategies for improving the compliance product; contribute to the Aviation Security Directorate (ASD) and CAA corporate business as a member of the Leadership Team.

Core Accountabilities

 

The key aspect of this role is to lead a team of remote auditors and hybrid management and support staff to deliver an aviation security oversight programme which delivers our statutory regulatory aspects and satisfies the Department for Transport of a safe and secure aviation sector.

 

The incumbent shall develop initiatives to improve the way compliance oversight activity is delivered which ensures entity compliance performance and risk management is assessed and measured appropriately, industry assurance is enhanced, and workforce capability and skills are developed. Specific deliverables include:

 

• Provide strategic direction for the department and translate requirements into business priorities and performance objectives for the team.  Ensure these are cascaded, understood, delivered and reported on by team members which ensures delivery of the Business Plan.
• Ensure a targeted and prioritised programme of compliance monitoring activity is delivered which meets all statutory requirements and makes efficient and effective use of available resource.
• Develop departmental budget on an annual basis in line with governance and assurance rules set by finance team.  Ensure principles of affordability, value for money and a focus on efficiency are adhered to.
• Provide senior leadership, coaching and direction to a remote and hybrid working team of approximately 75 (up to 4 direct reports).  Inspire, motivate and develop team members to deliver high performance and act with integrity.  Ensure regular development conversations held which promote the CAA values and identify individual, tailored development opportunities which can be capitalized for individual and business benefit.  Nurture and develop talent.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve colleague engagement working with the people development team. 
• Ensure availability and integrity of data which demonstrates compliance with security requirements for aviation sector.  Analyse performance trends and generate and implement strategies for embedding good performance and improving poor performance. 
• Produce Board and Exco reports and present key trends at senior leadership stakeholder forums. 
• Understand threat and risk management principles and ensure these are applied in business operations. 
• Promote stakeholder engagement with senior directors/managers with aviation security responsibilities, developing collaborative relationships to resolve serious compliance deficiencies and embed aviation security best practice.
• Role model CAA Values with Aviation Security Directorate and wider CAA.  Collaborate with colleagues in Aviation Security Leadership team and DfT Aviation Security Policy team and key stakeholders to ensure compliance issues are effectively represented and resolved.
• Ensure the development and oversight of the quality assurance strategy, and implementation of key procedures and policies within the Quality Management System.

About You

 

To be considered for this role you must have:

 

• Ability to build strong collaborative relationships internally and externally at a senior level. 
• Skilled in negotiating and influencing.
• Understand and analyse complex data sets and take effective and prioritised action to address poor performance.
• Understand Management System fundamentals and develop robust assurance regimes which mitigate risk.
• Communicate enthusiasm and energy about business priorities and the work of the team and encourage others to do the same.
• Act as senior advocate for CAA by promoting the benefits of implementing rigorous internal quality assurance programme.
• Ability to adapt messages dependent on audiences with an understanding of the industry perspective and maintaining a flexible and pragmatic but consistent approach.
• Model CAA values and behaviours and ensure diverse and inclusive practices are promoted in internal and external dealings.

 

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 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.

 

Working With Us
 

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!
 

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 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. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone.

Our Values
 

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here
 

Closing Date: Wednesday 22nd May 2024

Interview Date: W/C Monday 3rd June 2024

 

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.