Airspace Specialist (Correspondence and Communications)
Civil Aviation Authority
Horley, UK
Published today
Aerospace engineering
Permanent
Salary: £40,500 up to £45,000 dependent upon experience
Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time
Security Level: BPSS
Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
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 Airspace Specialist (Correspondence and Communications) is part of the CAA's focal point for external correspondence relating to aviation noise complaints, aviation related environmental enquiries (AREE), FRZ charge complaints, queries about new and trialled airspace structures and any related information requests from other teams.
Working closely with the Airspace Specialist (Correspondence), you will co-ordinate the receipt and response to external complaints regarding the use of UK airspace and aviation noise complaints. This aspect of the role is fundamental in fulfilling the CAA's statutory airspace functions given by the Secretary of State in the Air Navigation Directions.
A key focus of this role is to develop communications to build and maintain a strong understanding of the airspace regulation process internally and externally. This includes maintaining the Airspace Regulation website pages and intranet pages.
The Airspace Specialist (Correspondence and Communications) will develop processes, identify trends and recommend actions based on those trends to create effective and efficient correspondence processes.
Core Accountabilities
Primary
To be considered for the role - you will need to have:
Essential
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.
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.
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
Closing Date: Sunday 12th October 2025
Interview Date: W/C Monday 27th October 2025
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.
Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time
Security Level: BPSS
Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
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 Airspace Specialist (Correspondence and Communications) is part of the CAA's focal point for external correspondence relating to aviation noise complaints, aviation related environmental enquiries (AREE), FRZ charge complaints, queries about new and trialled airspace structures and any related information requests from other teams.
Working closely with the Airspace Specialist (Correspondence), you will co-ordinate the receipt and response to external complaints regarding the use of UK airspace and aviation noise complaints. This aspect of the role is fundamental in fulfilling the CAA's statutory airspace functions given by the Secretary of State in the Air Navigation Directions.
A key focus of this role is to develop communications to build and maintain a strong understanding of the airspace regulation process internally and externally. This includes maintaining the Airspace Regulation website pages and intranet pages.
The Airspace Specialist (Correspondence and Communications) will develop processes, identify trends and recommend actions based on those trends to create effective and efficient correspondence processes.
Core Accountabilities
Primary
- Work closely with the Principal Airspace Regulator (Engagement and Consultation) to develop Airspace Regulation's communication requirements on key strategic areas.
- Implement and maintain a client relationship management (CRM) system within the Airspace Regulation function, ensuring it links with the wider AAA function and their SLAs. Produce regular reports to identify trends and recommend appropriate actions to ensure efficient and effective correspondence processes are maintained.
- Maintain Airspace Regulation content on CAA website, other external communications, and the intranet to increase awareness of the airspace change process.
- Develop and deliver an internal programme of activity to increase awareness of and build trust in the airspace regulation process across the CAA.
- Work with the Airspace Specialist (Correspondence) to act as the focal point for external correspondence received by the Airspace Regulation team, co-ordinating and drafting responses within set deadlines.
- Act as the Airspace Regulation point of contact for receiving and responding to aircraft related environmental complaints from the general public. This aspect of the role, in conjunction with the above relating to AREE, is fundamental to fulfilling a statutory requirement on the CAA.
- Coordinate the comprehensive response to enquiries relating to aviation regulation issues and complaints in accordance with CAA/SARG processes; to answer the queries raised in a timely and empathetic manner, educate members of the public and enhance the reputation of the CAA. These enquiries may be received via e-mail, online form, or letter.
- Act as a point of contact, providing advice and guidance to colleagues supporting the Airspace Regulation correspondence and communications function.
- Develop and maintain clear processes within the Airspace Regulation correspondence function to ensure we met our statutory duties and maintain relevant management system documents.
- Contribute to the formulation of responses to airspace-based enquiries through the CAA's External Response processes including enquiries from MPs or other public representative bodies and Freedom of Information Act / Environmental Information Regulations.
- Provide correspondence and communications support across the Airspace Regulation team and AAA as required.
- Other communications support as necessary to ensure the effective and efficient operation of Airspace Regulation.
- Seek legal expertise and clarification when required. Liaise closely with the CAA's Communications Department and Office of the General Council to co-ordinate and ensure consistency in response.
- Draft inputs for Airspace Regulation's contribution to ExCo and CAA Board Reports, and CEO/ Chair briefing notes.
- Represent Airspace Regulation at internal CAA meetings relating to correspondence.
- Assist the Principal Airspace Regulator (Engagement and Consultation) in providing project management support internally.
- Assist the Airspace Regulators (Engagement and Consultation) and the Airspace Specialist (Engagement and Consultation) by providing administrative and project management support to the Airspace Change Process where required.
- Readiness to take responsibility for projects or issues and to be accountable for their timely delivery and quality.
- Maintain a good general knowledge of developments in aviation and where required assist in the formulation of UK policy in the areas for which the section is responsible.
- Undertake additional tasks as allocated by Airspace Regulation Principal (Engagement and Consultation).
- Capture and share relevant intelligence, information and analysis from multiple internal and external sources with CAA groups.
- Understand and apply the principles of Performance Based Regulation in accordance with the ESP linear process.
- To keep up to date with CAA records management policies and procedures and to amend Airspace Regulation practices and procedures to ensure continuing compliance.
To be considered for the role - you will need to have:
Essential
- Experience in developing and maintaining communications materials.
- Experience in developing key messages and tailoring messages to the needs of different stakeholders.
- Ability to present information clearly, in particular, translating technical information into a form that can be understood by a non-expert audience.
- Experience in a customer facing role and proven experience of responding to request for information from a variety of stakeholders including members of the public.
- Understanding of the Data Protection Act, UK GDPR and Freedom of Information (FOI) process.
- Ability to work autonomously with the confidence to make decisions around new processes that will link into the Principal Airspace Regulator (Engagement and Consultation) strategic work.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to explain and present complex information in a professional and accessible manner.
- Ability to follow corporate communication brand guidelines.
- Analytical with good attention to detail and a methodical approach.
- Maintain a good general knowledge of developments in aviation.
- Experience of liaising with senior staff within a large organisation.
- Ability to establish personal credibility with technical specialists and develop constructive relationships, with effective communication skills both written and oral in engaging with contacts at all levels throughout the CAA and externally.
- Have a high level of commitment, reliability, and flexibility, and be an excellent team worker.
- Strong time management and organisational skills to meet deadlines.
- Experience interpreting policies and processes, knowing when there is a need to escalate requests to senior colleagues.
- Experience of working under pressure and balancing competing demands.
- Have experience of MS Office packages specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Experience dealing with complaints and/or correspondence at a high level such as responding to MPs or providing briefings back to key stakeholders and applying learnings from complaints.
- FOI experience as part of a communications role.
- Knowledge of monitoring and tracking delivery and impact of communications activity.
- Have a good knowledge of the CAA and UK aviation industry supported by an understanding of key legislative factors influencing and determining the CAA's role as an airspace regulator e.g. the Civil Aviation Act, Air Navigation Order, Rules of the Air Regulations and the appropriate MAA Regulatory Publications.
- Have awareness of national and international ATM regulatory bodies and their interaction.
- Have awareness of the environmental impact of aviation and strategies and actions to mitigate these.
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.
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.
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
Closing Date: Sunday 12th October 2025
Interview Date: W/C Monday 27th October 2025
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.