RPAS Product Owner

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Civil Aviation Authority provided pay range

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Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from Civil Aviation Authority

Role

Salary: £56,000 up to £67,303 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent – Full Time

Security Level: CTC

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

Reporting to the FS&I Product Manager, the RPAS Product Owner will be responsible for the prioritisation and agile delivery of enhancements across the CAA’s digital services. Currently, the scope of the RPAS Product Owner's responsibilities includes the management and continuous improvement of the Specific Category Operational Authorisations (based on SORA) process, Predetermined Risk Assessment (PDRA) and the Drone Model Aircraft Education Service (DMARES). The RPAS Product Owner will also manage the output of the DMARES Systems Owner and manage the team’s input into the development of new policies for Future of Flight (FoF) that impact the CAA’s digital service offering.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to deliver services and iteratively improve them.
• Own the Product Roadmap for development of technologies and processes.
• Work with stakeholders to capture user stories, bringing the voice of the user to the team and vice versa.
• Develop and prioritise product roadmaps and backlogs to deliver the right things in the right order.
• Establish methods to measure benefits throughout delivery.
• Consider total cost of ownership to demonstrate value for money, including finance tracking and input for annual budget cycle.
• Develop an expert understanding of users’ needs within the evolving market, legal and policy requirements, and champion these in delivery.
• Define and iterate a compelling product vision for users, teams, and stakeholders.
• Build and groom a product backlog with data-driven decisions and stakeholder input.
• Ensure acceptance criteria, tests, and Definition of Done are defined and met.
• Collaborate with Solution Architect and Agile team to enable decision-making and sequencing of key technology platforms.
• Lead and participate in team demos and retrospectives.
• Set and report measurable goals to demonstrate progress against benefits.
• Ensure services align with Government Digital Service Standards and maximise value with good user experience.
• Oversee 3rd party delivery, including contracts, Statements of Work and milestone deliverables.
• Act as 3rd party point of contact/relationship owner.
• Act as line manager for the DMARES Systems Owner, providing guidance and oversight.

About You

To be considered for the role you must have:

• A passion for developing public facing digital services with outstanding user experience.
• A collaborative team player who is empathetic to team members and end users.
• A fast and committed learner.
• A strong communicator who can relay high level messages to senior managers and work in detail with delivery teams.
• Energy and enthusiasm to set the vision and inspire the delivery team.
• A strong decision maker who can work with ambiguity and apply appropriate techniques.
• Experience as a Product Owner, Systems Owner or Product Manager.
• Technical proficiency in previous digital roles.
• Certification or progression toward project management, SAFe, Agile, SCRUM, LEAN or Kanban.
• Experience in Agile delivery and user research techniques.
• Understanding of software development lifecycle and modern public-facing digital platforms.
• Knowledge of integrating legacy technologies with modern platforms and the aviation regulatory context.
• Contract and 3rd party supplier management experience.

Additional Information

• Operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or nationally protected information may require National Security Vetting and clearance.
• Residency requirement: 3 years in the UK for vetting purposes.
• If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.
• For information on CTC clearance visit GOV.UK Vetting explained.

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity. If invited for interview you may be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will relocate from Aviation House to new premises in the future, with a move planned within a default radius to minimise disruption. Details will be confirmed as plans progress.

Inclusive Recruitment

We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are Disability Confident and offer adjustments for applicants as needed.

Working With Us

We offer flexible working patterns, hybrid working, and opportunities to develop your career with us. We provide a range of benefits including flexible working, on-site gym, pension, and more.

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – for more information please click here.

Closing Date: Sunday 21st September 2025

Interview Date: W/C Monday 29th September 2025

Important: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications. No recruitment agencies.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Information Technology and Consulting

Industries

• Airlines and Aviation

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