Lead Compliance & Enforcement Officer – Civil Aviation Authority

Salary: £39,702 up to £52,937 dependent upon experience. Contract: Permanent, Full-time. Security Level: BPSS. Office base: London, Westferry, Canary Wharf. 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.

Overview

The CAA’s ATOL Compliance & Enforcement team works to help ensure businesses meet regulatory responsibilities and consumers are treated fairly and are afforded the protections they are entitled to. We focus on monitoring compliance with ATOL regulations and wider consumer protection laws, and where businesses appear to be acting unlawfully, we’ll work with them to put things right or take enforcement action. We also support the work of other investigatory/enforcement bodies, such as the police, trading standards and insolvency services.

The Role

As a Lead Compliance and Enforcement Officer, using intelligence-led insights and working closely with cross-functional teams, you’ll identify and prioritise cases/areas of focus and help to shape enforcement strategies — advising senior managers on the most effective actions to take.

Core Accountabilities

• Leading audits, inspections and reviews to ensure businesses offering flight accommodation in the UK meet regulatory requirements.
• Delivering clear, evidence-based recommendations to senior managers and legal teams.
• Driving enforcement actions, from education and training to licence refusals/revocations and prosecutions for unlawful trading.
• Acting as a subject matter expert on ATOL regulations and relevant consumer protection legislation.
• Contributing to regulatory policy discussions, offering technical expertise and insight.
• Collaborating across the CAA and with external regulators and enforcement bodies to strengthen oversight and enforcement.
• Managing and/or mentoring colleagues, whether as direct reports or within project teams.
• Background in compliance, internal audit, investigations or regulatory enforcement is a fantastic fit for this role.

About You

• Experience in delivering audits or managing small to medium-sized projects, ideally in a regulatory enforcement setting.
• Detailed understanding of regulatory policy or legal frameworks, preferably in aviation or consumer protection, or transferable knowledge from other sectors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a proven track record of interpreting complex information and producing clear communications.
• Methodical and analytical mindset with attention to detail when evidencing cases or managing projects.
• Effective relationship management and influencing capability with a respectful and diplomatic approach.
• Some leadership or managerial responsibility is preferable but not essential.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

What can we offer you?

This is a fantastic opportunity to use and develop your investigative and enforcement skills, while building relationships across the CAA and with external stakeholders. The role offers variety, from desk-based reviews of agents/tour operators’ compliance to on-site audits of systems, processes and procedures. If fairness and doing the right thing for consumers are values you live by, you’ll find this role meaningful and rewarding.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or nationally protected information. Post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance. You must have the right to work in the UK. If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application. For BPSS clearance information, please visit BPSS clearance.

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will relocate from Aviation House to new premises in a few years. We will move to a new local home within a 15-mile radius of Aviation House to minimise disruption. We are working with colleagues and visitors to understand what is needed in our new office; the move is planned but not expected before 2028.

Inclusive Recruitment

We are committed to diversity and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all backgrounds. As part of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria will be guaranteed an interview. If you require an adjustment, please let us know.

Working With Us

We are moving toward a more adaptable, cross-functional working culture. We offer hybrid working and flexible patterns, and we can discuss what works best for you to maintain work-life balance. Benefits include flexible working arrangements, onsite gym access, pension, annual leave, and more.

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone. For more information please click here.

Closing Date: Thursday 25 September 2025. Interview Date: w/c 6th and 13th October 2025 – in person, London, Westferry, Canary Wharf.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. No recruitment agencies, please.