Date: 18 Mar 2025
Location: Gatwick, GB
Company: Civil Aviation Authority
Salary: Up to £85,000 (Dependent on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent – Full time
Location: Gatwick – Hybrid
Visa Restrictions: This position does not currently 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.

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THE ROLE

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in the ‘Open’ Category (i.e. low risk flying with RPAS that weigh less than 25kg) will be subject to product standards from 1st January 2026. The framework for Open Category product standards is referred to as ‘class marking’ and is based on retained EU law. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been appointed by the Department for Transport (DfT) to take on the role of the Market Surveillance Authority (MSA), which will be responsible for overseeing conformity assessment and compliance with the product standards.
The MSA function will carry out the activities of ensuring required standards for RPAS are met by manufacturers and other economic operators (e.g. importers and distributors) and intervening when there is non-compliance. This will involve executing the surveillance and control of products placed on or entering the market under UK Regulation (EU) 2019/945. In addition, the MSA function is responsible for implementing and overseeing the conformity assessment framework in the UK, ensuring manufacturers demonstrate compliance with designated standards applicable for class marked RPAS. This will involve the management, oversight, approval and withdrawal of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), which are third-party organisations that perform conformity assessment activities on RPAS to ensure products are compliant with requirements.
The MSA Manager will be responsible for implementing and leading the overall MSA function, ensuring it promotes safety and security of RPAS in the UK. This will involve setting the vision and delivering an effective MSA function to unlock the benefits of conformity assessment and compliance with product standards. In addition, the MSA Manager will be required to help the MSA function mature as the regulatory environment develops.

Minimum essential requirements for the role:

• Experience as a Market Surveillance Manager/Analyst, Product Surveillance Manager/Analyst, Project Manager, Product Owner, Systems Owner or Product Manager previously.
• Implementing and managing a Market Surveillance Authority function within a rapidly evolving policy context.
• Stakeholder management experience - proven experience of operating with tact and diplomacy and with a diverse group of stakeholders. Strong experience and capability in managing relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Contract and third-party supplier management – including SOW’s, milestones, CCN’s etc.
• Line management expertise with skills to influence and manage a diverse team.
• Energy and enthusiasm to set the vision and inspire the team to achieve it.
• A collaborative team player who is empathetic to team members and end users.
• A passion for developing customer-centric, digital services with an outstanding user experience.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• A delivery and results focussed mindset.
• A programme mindset, and the ability to work within and manage complex project plans.
• Knowledge of the CAA and the environment in which it operates.
• Able to stand ground on key decisions and willing and able to positively challenge stakeholders at all levels

Desirable skills for the role:

• Aviation experience, preferably within an FS&I communit