Civil Aviation Authority
Inspecting Officer (Dangerous Goods)
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Salary: Starting Salary - £41,092 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time
Security Level: CTC
Base Location: Gatwick
Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship
Closing Date: Sunday 2nd August 2026
Sifting: W/C Monday 3rd August 2026
Interview Date: W/C Monday 24th August 2026
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
To conduct oversight of Flight Operations entities, including Commercial air transport, Part-NCC and Part-SPO operators; Approved/Declared Training Organisations; Organisations involved in the transport of dangerous goods; and Ground handling service providers, to ensure they are operating in a safe and competent manner and in compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements, industry standards and best practice.
Core Accountabilities
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Act as Oversight Manager for Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders.
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Act as Lead Auditor during audits and inspections.
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Appraise, by audit and inspection, the suitability of applicants for the grant of an AOC or ATO.
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Conduct audits and inspections to ensure continuing competence of Flight Operations entities by assessing specialist areas such as management systems, flight time limitations, flight and cabin crew training, returned flight documentation and operations/training manuals.
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Decide appropriate remedial action without recourse to senior staff (e.g. Flight Operations Manager).
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Communicate audit and inspection findings to the senior management of entities.
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Assess the suitability of corrective actions provided by the entity to prevent recurrence.
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Where required, conduct follow up audits and inspections to verify the effectiveness of corrective actions taken by the entity.
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Provide information and advice to Flight Operations Managers on current issues affecting entities.
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Assist in the training of inspecting staff.
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Undertake project work and other additional tasks including participation in working groups as required by Flight Operations Managers.
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Deliver outcomes internationally to mitigate safety concerns or support IG/CAAi International contract delivery where appropriate.
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Dependent on experience and training, provide technical knowledge and expertise in one or more of the following disciplines:
- Management Systems
- Flight Time Limitations
- Dangerous Goods
- Leasing
- Cabin Safety
- Flight Crew Licensing
- Ground Safety
Enforcement Action
- Consider all enforcement options available in the toolkit and highlight issues or concerns that might lead to any level of enforcement activity, either on a regulatory or criminal basis through line management, as appropriate.
- Through line management as appropriate, make decisions on whether to commission an investigation when a breach of aviation law is suspected or resulting from a recommendation from the IET.
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Performance Based Regulation (PBR)
- Capture and readily share safety intelligence information and analysis from multiple internal and external sources with all CAA groups.
- Understand and apply the principles of Performance Based Oversight (PBO) in accordance with Flight Operations business rules and the wider CAA approach to PBR.
- Deliver outcome-focused oversight, considering the statutory regulatory obligations, risk and performance of the entity.
- Escalate risks to the appropriate level within SARG.
- Hold industry Accountable Managers and senior personnel to account for managing safety.
About You
- Aviation related degree or professional level qualification and/or experience of working in the aviation industry or regulatory environment.
- Experience of aviation auditing techniques, safety management or oversight experience.
- An excellent set of interpersonal skills suitable and appropriate to work as part of a team and to respond quickly, but calmly and correctly, when sudden needs arise.
- Polite, empathetic and tactful manner.
- Ability to persuade others to modify thinking and procedures.
- A skilful organiser and an ability to exercise initiative in planning for results.
- A robust decision-maker with the ability to take the initiative, but able to identify when to refer to others.
- An enquiring mind geared to the need to identifying failings and improvements to current processes and procedures together with a positive approach to discuss practical actions.
- An ability to prioritise work and use initiative to deal with unusual requests or situations.
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.
CTC
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 3 years.
If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.
For more information on CTC 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.
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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
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.
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