Space Policy Lead

Space Policy lead (5646)

Salary: Up to £75,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Full Time Permanent

Security Level:SC

Location: Gatwick/Hybrid

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently offer visa sponsorship

Closing Date: 08 Nov 26

Interview Date: WC 16 Nov, in person Gatwick

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the UK’s independent space regulator. We oversee spaceflight activities including licensing launch and return operators, spaceports, range control services, and in‑orbit operations. We also monitor hundreds of satellites and licensees to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable space activity. Work we do is designed to enable the sector while maintaining public safety, environmental protection, and national security requirements.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Space Regulatory Policy Team to help develop and maintain the UK Spaceflight Regulator’s policy function within the CAA Space Team.

Core Accountabilities

• To lead a team developing and maintaining the ongoing policy and guidance requirements for the regulation of commercial space operators under the Space Industry Act, Outer Space Act and other relevant legislation, to ensure policies and guidance are in accordance with the Better Regulation Principles, fit for purpose for end users, and in line with national and international regulations.
• To provide general policy and regulatory advice and guidance across all the licence types, to make sure that our regulation, guidance and policies support the effective and efficient delivery of our regulatory functions.
• To collaborate with; and develop/maintain relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders – legal and other policy teams across the CAA, other government departments and international governments as well as industry - on emerging, current and future policy matters.
• Ensure that effective and recognised contributions are made to national and international policy development, in particular by the provision of regulatory expertise. 
• To lead/contribute to programme workstreams and working groups to drive continuous improvement across the policies and process that apply to the whole Space Team and wider space industry.
• To take part in stakeholder engagement events (one to one meetings and plenary events) both nationally and internationally.

About You - Essential Criteria

We're looking for a people-focused leader who enjoys helping others succeed. You'll create an inclusive and supportive team culture, provide clear direction and feedback, and develop colleagues to achieve their full potential. You'll also be confident leading through change, bringing people with you while maintaining engagement, wellbeing and high performance.

You will also be able to demonstrate the following essential criteria

• Experience of working within a licensing or regulatory function, preferably for major hazard industries, including experience of handling and communicating technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Experience of developing and implementing policy and guidance, preferably within a regulatory function or outcomes-based framework.
• Strong analytical and technical skills, including the ability to interpret statutory requirements and gather, evaluate and apply complex information from a variety of sources.
• Proven experience of stakeholder engagement and relationship management, preferably across government, industry and academia.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams and with government and external agencies.
• Ability to represent the CAA in multi-agency and international forums, demonstrating CAA values and behaviours.
• Excellent influencing, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality written and verbal outputs to agreed deadlines.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a complex and fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Space industry in one or more areas of, range control, spaceport, launch, in-orbit, ANO permissions, and/or ability to develop an in-depth knowledge.

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 CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The CAA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. To help ensure transparency and protect the independence and reputation of the CAA, candidates invited to interview will be required to complete a Declaration of Interests form, disclosing any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that could influence, or be seen to influence, their ability to perform the role objectively and impartially.

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 committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be guaranteed an interview. Find out more about the Disability Confident Scheme. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, 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, ho