Join the CAA's Expert Economics Team

Shape the Future of UK Aviation: Join the CAA’s expert Economics team

Recruiting: Head of Capital Efficiency and Delivery | Head of Policy | Head of Economics | Senior Economist (Regulation) | Senior Economist (Industrial & Competition) | Economist

Location: London (Hybrid working)

Closing date: 7th August 2025

Interviews: From w/c 18th August - September 2025

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is at the forefront of aviation regulation in the UK, responsible for ensuring the sector operates safely, efficiently and in the interests of consumers. We are continuing to expand our high-performing Economic Regulation and Competition Policy (ERCP) team and are seeking ambitious, collaborative, and analytically sharp professionals to join us in a number of roles and levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned economist in a regulator, a policy leader in a regulated industry, or a technical expert driving price controls and incentive frameworks, we offer the opportunity to tackle nationally significant issues, shape policy, and influence the direction of UK aviation at a time of rapid change.

The work you'll do

Working as part of our team, you’ll be instrumental in:

• Leading and delivering high-impact analysis underpinning regulatory frameworks for airports and air traffic services (ATS). This includes work on our key price control programmes, including capacity expansion at Heathrow airport.
• Delivering complex economic and related analysis that supports: our work on price controls; other aspects of the regulatory frameworks for airports and ATS; as well as strategic policies across the wider CAA, such as the development of markets for new technologies.
• Ensuring that the analysis that supports the CAA’s decisions is robust to external challenge and scrutiny and supported by appropriate quality assurance processes.
• Designing and implementing regulatory incentives, cost efficiency assessments, and price controls that hold industry accountable and support innovation and sustainability.
• Shaping policy strategy across a range of emerging areas, including airspace modernisation, consumer protection, and the integration of new technologies.
• Engaging at senior levels across the aviation sector, including with regulated entities, government, and external experts.
• Overseeing, mentoring, and developing talented economists and policy professionals in a collaborative and inclusive team environment.

What we're looking for

We’re seeking individuals who are ready to take a leading role in regulation and policy. You will have:

• A degree or an equivalent qualification in economics (or closely associated subject).
• Significant experience in economic regulation or in adjacent technical areas, policy development, or economic consultancy in regulated sectors.
• Proven ability to manage complex technical analysis and translate it into actionable recommendations and persuasive communications.
• A strong track record of collaboration, working across multi-disciplinary teams and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and drafting skills, with the confidence to explain how your analysis and recommendations
• Passion for delivering value and supporting good outcomes for consumers and markets.

Desirable:

• Experience aviation or transport sectors or working with UK regulatory frameworks.
• Understanding of emerging issues in regulatory, industrial economics and/or competition policy.
• Ability to learn quickly and deliver at pace.

The roles:

• Head of Capital Efficiency & Delivery
• Head of Policy
• Head of Economics
• Senior Economist - Regulation
• Senior Economist - Industrial & Competition Economics
• Economist

Why join the CAA?

This is a unique time to join the CAA. The aviation sector is evolving rapidly — as it seeks to meet the challenges of decarbonisation, take advantage of digital innovation, deliver airspace modernisation and satisfy the evolving consumer expectations. We offer:

Impact: Your work will directly influence how a critical sector delivers value to the UK economy and its consumers.

Leadership opportunities: Whether leading teams, projects or strategy, you’ll shape the regulatory landscape.

Professional growth: Access to learning, mentoring, and senior networks across the UK regulatory community.

Purpose: Work that is challenging, meaningful, and aligned with the CAA’s values of excellence, respect, and inclusion.

Apply now

If you’re ready to take the next step in your regulatory career and make a lasting difference in a dynamic, future-facing industry — we’d love to hear from you.

Join us today in shaping the skies of tomorrow.

No recruitment agencies please