Inspecting Officer (Ground Handling)

Civil Aviation Authority; England; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Civil Aviation Authority is seeking an Inspecting Officer – Ground Handling to oversee regulatory compliance of Ground Handling Organisations at UK licensed aerodromes. You will audit oversight cycles, report outcomes, and ensure corrective actions are implemented in line with UK/EU regulations and UK Air Navigation Order.

Frequent travel within the UK is required, with a hybrid work arrangement at Gatwick. A vocational qualification and auditing training are highly desirable for this role.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of UK Ground Handling regulatory framework is essential.
• Experience with auditing and reporting on oversight activities is required.
• Understanding of Safety and Quality Management principles is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Conduct QA reviews of ground handling oversight planning cycles and records.
• Provide management information on oversight outcomes.
• Inspect and audit ground handling organisations per procedures.
• Communicate audit findings to industry stakeholders and inspectors.
• Prepare formal reports on audit and inspection activities.
• Ensure Corrective Action Plans address non-compliances and monitor progress.
• Escalate risks and support the audit schedule planning.

Skills

Ground Handling knowledge

Auditing skills

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Safety & Quality management

Willingness to travel

Job description

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Date: 8 Oct 2026

Location: Gatwick, GB

Inspecting Officer – GROUND HANDLING (5621)

Salary: Upto £41,950 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Full Time Permanent

Security Level:CTC

Location: Gatwick / Hybrid

Visa Restrictions: This position does not (currently) offer visa sponsorship

Interview Date: WC 16 Nov in person Gatwick

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

This job exists to provide regulatory oversight of Ground Handling Organisations at UK Licensed and Certified aerodromes. Such oversight is required to meet the CAA’s obligations identified in UK (EU) Reg No 139/2014, other applicable international legislation and the UK Air Navigation Order.

• Supporting Principal Inspector Ground Handling by conducting quality assurance reviews of ground handling oversight planning cycles (OPC) and associated oversight records.
• Providing the team with management information regarding oversight outcomes.
• Inspecting and auditing ground handling organisations in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Communicating audit and inspection findings to the relevant industry stakeholder and (where appropriate) Principal Inspector Ground Handling.
• Completing appropriate formal reports on audit and inspection activities in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Ensuring that industry stakeholders (normally Ground Handling Organisations) establish a suitable Corrective Action Plan to address non-compliances.
• Undertaking suitable follow-up action to establish progress towards completion of any activities identified within a Corrective Action Plan.
• Undertaking oversight in a manner which takes into account the statutory compliance obligations, risk and performance. Escalate risks to the Principal Inspector Ground Handling as required.
• Acting (in conjunction with Ground Handling Inspectors) as a first point of contact in the team with regard to audit/inspection process.
• Contributing to the planning, implementation and maintenance of the oversight team’s Audit Schedule, ensuring that all Ground Handling Organisations are regulated as efficiently and frequently as required.
• Maintaining a consistent level of oversight with colleagues

About You

You will have good working knowledge of the safety regulatory requirements associated with the Ground Handling Operations in the UK. Reasonable familiarity is required with the following documents:

• UK (EU) Reg No 376/2014 (The UK MOR Regulation)
• UK (EU) Reg No 1018/2015 (the UK MOR Occurrence Regulation)
• CAP168
• ICAO Annexes 14 & 19
• the UK Air Navigation Order
• IATA IGOM and AHM knowledge and understanding
• You will have a good appreciation of the principles of Safety and Quality Management.
• Confidently able to provide briefings (on matters such as audit outcomes) to a range of audiences, and must therefore have a confident but approachable style, be comfortable in communicating in a range of formats, and be able to present issues and supporting arguments in a concise yet comprehensive manner.
• Hold a relevant vocational qualification and have a good level of experience working in ground handling operations (or related) industry is highly desirable.
• Have completed training in auditing skills and techniques.

Please note: Frequent travel to Ground Handling Organisations. Occasional travel to other CAA offices. May travel abroad in support of CAAi or Policy activities.

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 3 years.

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

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 Intelligenceby 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, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factuallyaccurateand taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has beenidentified(presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be rejected on that basis.

Working With Us

Explore What We Offer section on our careers website to find out about our benefits and how we support work-life balance.

Our Values

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

Interview Date: WC 16 Nov in person Gatwick

No recruitment agencies please.

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