Regulatory Affairs & Authorizations Manager

Airpelago; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Regulatory Affairs & Authorizations Manager to lead the development of flight permissions and regulatory approvals. This role is crucial for scaling operations across Europe and the UK, focusing on BVLOS drone operations. You will engage with regulatory bodies, influence internal operations, and ensure compliance while working with cutting-edge technology in a growing sector. Join a passionate team dedicated to innovation and personal development, where your contributions will shape the future of drone operations.

Benefits

Personal Development Plan

Work with Latest Technology

Collaborative Team Environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in securing operational authorizations with UK CAA and EASA.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead regulatory strategy and communication with Swedish and UK CAA.
• Design and execute submissions for operational authorizations.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Regulatory Knowledge

Operational Authorization Preparation

Communication Skills

Collaboration Skills

Documentation Skills

Job description

About the Position:

Airpelago is looking for a highly strategic and hands-on Regulatory Affairs & Authorizations Manager to lead the continued development of our flight permissions and regulatory approvals with both the Swedish CAA (Transportstyrelsen) and the UK CAA. This role is central to supporting and scaling our operations across Europe, the UK, and the Republic of Ireland.

Since 2021, Airpelago has been at the forefront of BVLOS drone operations, inspecting power lines across large and complex geographies. Since January 2024, we operate under our own Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC), further proving our credibility, maturity, and commitment to safe and compliant operations. Over the past four years, we’ve consistently achieved first-of-their-kind operational authorizations—underscoring the strength of our regulatory relationships and the professionalism of our team.

In this role, you will not only apply for the next generation of operational authorizations, but also shape the very way we operate—technically and procedurally. Rather than asking for permission to do what we want, we design our operations around what is permittable, aligning our technology and practices with what the authorities can approve. You’ll work both strategically—driving regulatory engagement and roadmap alignment—and tactically, through SORA/PDRA/OSC submissions and ongoing compliance processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Regulatory Engagement: Lead regulatory strategy and communication with the Swedish CAA and UK CAA to drive forward operational authorizations in line with evolving BVLOS standards.
• Authorization Development: Design and execute high-quality, well-aligned submissions (SORA, PDRA, OSC) that reflect both operational needs and regulator expectations.
• Operational Influence: Influence and guide internal operations, flight concepts, and technology choices to ensure alignment with achievable and sustainable flight approvals.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensure ongoing compliance with existing approvals, and proactively identify gaps or opportunities to improve regulatory alignment across regions.
• Cross-functional Leadership: Collaborate closely with the Accountable Manager, Safety Manager, Compliance Monitoring Manager, Project Manager, and CTO to ensure coordinated execution and strategic alignment.
• Reporting Line & Location: Report directly to the COO. This position can be based in Scandinavia or the UK, with some flexibility for hybrid work and travel across operating markets.

What We’re Looking For:

• A strategic thinker with strong execution skills in regulatory and operational contexts.
• Proven experience in preparing and securing operational authorizations (PDRA/SORA/OSC), ideally with both the UK CAA and EASA-member NAAs.
• Deep familiarity with EASA’s specific category regulations and BVLOS operations, preferably LUC flight organisations.
• Ability to bridge the gap between technical operations and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and documentation skills. A hands-on, pragmatic, and solutions-oriented mindset with a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.

Personality Traits:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to handle stress and work efficiently.
• Strong sense of responsibility and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and a solutions-oriented mindset.

Why Airpelago?

• Get to work with the latest technology within a growing sector. The drone industry has a bright future and drones are becoming an ever more integral part of our everyday lives.
• Get to work with passionate colleagues with a strong drive.
• Develop your skills: Real responsibility from day one. Together we create your personal development plan, based on your career goals, and give you the support and guidance you need to achieve it.

Additional info:

Please apply through our recruitment partner Head Agent's application form by clicking at the icon for "Apply here". For any questions regarding the position please reach out to the recruitment team at Head Agent; [e-mail].