Product Regulation Compliance Manager

Salary: Up to £85,000 (Dependent on experience)

Contract Type: Permanent - Full time

Location: Gatwick - Hybrid

Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently 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 CAA is looking for somebody from a technical background to help build a new function within the CAA regulatory team. We would welcome a broad range of experiential backgrounds ranging from Project Management, Product Ownership, Systems Ownership, Technical Leadership or Product Management. The success of this function comes down to a person's ability to design, implement and deliver a multifaceted solution.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in the 'Open' Category (i.e. low risk flying with RPAS that weigh less than 25kg) will be subject to product standards from 1st January 2026. The framework for Open Category product standards is referred to as 'class marking' and is based on retained EU law. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been appointed by the Department for Transport (DfT) to take on the role of the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA), which will be responsible for overseeing conformity assessment and compliance with the product standards.

The MSA function will carry out the activities of ensuring required standards for RPAS are met by manufacturers and other economic operators (e.g. importers and distributors) and intervening when there is non-compliance. This will involve executing the surveillance and control of products placed on or entering the market under UK Regulation (EU) 2019/945. In addition, the MSA function (subject to regulatory change) is responsible for implementing and overseeing the conformity assessment framework in the UK, ensuring manufacturers demonstrate compliance with designated standards applicable for class marked RPAS. This will involve the management, oversight, approval and withdrawal of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), which are third-party organisations that perform conformity assessment activities on RPAS to ensure products are compliant with requirements.

The MSA Manager will be responsible for implementing and leading the overall MSA function, ensuring it promotes safety and security of RPAS in the UK. This will involve setting the vision and delivering an effective MSA function to unlock the benefits of conformity assessment and compliance with product standards. In addition, the MSA Manager will be required to help the MSA function mature as the regulatory environment develops.

About You

Minimum essential requirements for the role:

• Stakeholder management experience - proven experience of operating with tact and diplomacy and with a diverse group of stakeholders. Strong experience and capability in managing relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Contract and third-party supplier management - including SOW's, milestones, CCN's etc.
• Line management expertise with skills to influence and manage a diverse team.
• Energy and enthusiasm to set the vision and inspire the team to achieve it.
• A collaborative team player who is empathetic to team members and end users.
• A passion for developing customer-centric, digital services with an outstanding user experience.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• A delivery and results focused mindset.
• A programme mindset, and the ability to work within and manage complex project plans.
• Knowledge of the CAA and the environment in which it operates.
• Able to stand ground on key decisions and willing and able to positively challenge stakeholders at all levels.

Desirable skills for the role:

• Aviation experience, preferably within an FS&I community
• Experience as a Market Surveillance Manager/Analyst, Product Surveillance Manager/Analyst, Project Manager, Product Owner, Systems Owner or Product Manager previously.
• Implementing and managing a Market Surveillance Authority function within a rapidly evolving policy context.

What Can We Offer You?

The RPAS industry is a healthy, fast paced and highly innovative segment. If you are the kind of person that enjoys a broad spectrum of novel and exciting challenges, then this is a phenomenal team to join. If you feel you have the knowledge base to contribute, then this role offers you a fantastic opportunity to be instrumental to this burgeoning industry's development and success.

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.

SC - 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 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.

Inclusivity

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrate our diversity ensuring all are backgrounds included here at the CAA. As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview.

Our Benefits

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as:

• Flexible & hybrid working arrangements available
• 28 days annual leave + public holidays (additional 5 days leave purchase scheme)
• Generous pension scheme (Up to 12% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing Room at Gatwick
• Mental Health and Suicide First Aiders
• Employee Assistance Programme, talking therapies and neurodiversity support via Occupational Health & access to Headspace for colleagues and 5 dependents
• Free onsite gym at Gatwick or discounted gym membership for London
• EV charging points
• Employee Development courses internally and via Skillsoft

Our Values

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

Closing Date: Tuesday 15th April

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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