Lead Compliance & Enforcement Officer

Salary: £39,702 up to £52,937 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: 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.

• Driving world-class safety standards.
• Managing security risks, safeguarding passengers and the general public.
• Minimising the environmental impact of aviation on local communities.
• Running the ATOL holiday financial protection scheme.
• Making sure consumers have choice and protection when they fly.

The CAA’s ATOL Compliance & Enforcement team works to help ensure businesses meet their regulatory responsibilities and consumers are treated fairly and are afforded the protections they are entitled to. We focus on monitoring compliance with the 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 often 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 include:

• 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, enforcement bodies to strengthen oversight and enforcement.
• Managing and/or mentoring colleagues, whether as direct reports or within project teams.
• If you have a background in compliance, internal audit, investigations or regulatory enforcement then this is a fantastic opportunity for you.

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/ frameworks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a proven track record of interpreting complex information and producing easily understandable communications.
• A methodical and analytical mindset, with strong 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 would be preferable but not essential.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

What can we offer you?

This is a fantastic opportunity to use and develop your investigative and enforcement skills, while building strong relationships across the CAA and with external stakeholders.

The role offers real 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 both meaningful and rewarding.

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 you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance

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

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.

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

Closing Date: Thursday 25th 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 for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.