Civil Aviation Authority

Strategic Senior Procurement Lead

Company
Location
Gatwick, England, United Kingdom
Posted At
6/9/2025
Advertise with us by contacting: [email protected]
Description
Salary: £50,477 up to £67,303 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Security Level: SC

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.

The Role

Acting as the Deputy to the Head of Procurement, this role serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it involves oversight and management of routine procurement operations, including team workload prioritisation, managing supplier relationships, overseeing commercial risks, and ensuring compliance with both internal and external procurement policies and regulations. Secondly, it entails deputizing for the Head of Procurement, supporting the development and implementation of strategic objectives and continuous improvement targets, and acting as a point of escalation for the Procurement Team or the business

Core Accountabilities

  • Support the rollout of the Procurement Strategy (Smart Spend) to drive efficiency across CAA.
  • Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and relevant public sector regulations.
  • Monitor and share procurement best practices, updates, and legislative changes.
  • Drive continuous improvement through innovation and spend analysis.
  • Promote strong business partnering and increase engagement with Procurement across the organisation.
  • Represent Procurement in key internal governance forums.
  • Oversee day-to-day procurement activity to ensure timely, compliant, and effective delivery.
  • Lead end-to-end procurement processes across CAA and its subsidiaries, in line with internal policies and public sector regulations (e.g. Procurement Act 2023 and PCR 2015).
  • Act as an escalation point and deputise for the Head of Procurement when required.
  • Promote compliance, best practice, and continuous improvement in procurement.

Essential

About You

  • MCIPS qualified.
  • Experience of public sector procurement.
  • Demonstrable understanding, experience and practical application of operating both under Public Contracts Regulation 2015 and Procurement Act 2023.
  • Experience of leading competitive exercises and evaluation of commercial bid aspects.
  • Experience of understanding and using public sector frameworks.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication and organisation skills.
  • Comfortable working under pressure within strict deadlines.

Desirable

  • Previous experience of deputising for Head of Procurement.

What Can We Offer You

Working in an interesting multi-category environment with a wide range of different stakeholders at all levels of the organisation. The level of diversity in the work means that every day is different which provides a fantastic experience. Working in a small and friendly team, there are opportunities to collaborate on procurements, share knowledge and support team members to deliver best practice and value.

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 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: 23rd June 2025

Interview Date: w/c 30th June 2025

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.

Job Segment: Procurement, Aerospace, Buyer, Operations, Aviation, Strategy
Advertise with us by contacting: [email protected]
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