At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch business support to the Defence Director and coordinate key projects.
- Company: Join a leading organisation supporting defence and security sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, hybrid working, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
ADS operates a number of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and wider engagement activity to support business development opportunities for members, shape and influence policy, and help increase investment in our sector. We have a requirement for a dedicated individual to provide high-quality business support and executive assistance to the Defence Director, ensuring the Defence team is well coordinated, informed and able to deliver against strategic priorities.
The postholder will act as a key point of contact for the Defence sector team, supporting ADS engagement with the Front‑Line Commands, Ministry of Defence, Single Source Regulations Office and NATO Industry Advisory Group (NIAG). The role will also lead production of the Defence Impact Report and the monthly Defence Bulletin, create bespoke presentations and briefing packs, and provide business support to the Head of Defence Commercial.
This role would suit a candidate with strong executive assistant/secretarial capability and confident written communications skills, able to manage competing priorities, handle sensitive information with discretion and work proactively under their own initiative. Strong Microsoft Office skills are essential (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint). Experience in a membership organisation, CRM administration and/or the defence and security environment is desirable. The role holder must be willing to undergo National Security clearance.
The role reports to the Defence Director (providing Executive Assistant and business support), with a dotted‑line support relationship to the Head of Defence Commercial for agreed activities.
The Candidate
We are seeking a highly professional and proactive candidate with proven experience providing executive‑level business support to senior leaders. You will bring strong organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to manage complex diaries, coordinate meetings, and prioritise multiple workstreams effectively. An excellent communicator, you will be confident drafting and quality‑assuring a range of outputs including briefings, reports, minutes and member‑facing updates, while building strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
You will demonstrate high levels of discretion and integrity, handling sensitive information appropriately and be willing to undergo National Security clearance. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential, particularly in creating high‑quality PowerPoint presentations alongside strong working knowledge of Outlook, Word and Excel. You will be self‑sufficient and solutions‑focused, using sound judgement and initiative to anticipate needs, resolve issues, and ensure the smooth delivery of regular outputs to tight deadlines.
Experience providing structured secretariat support and maintaining effective governance processes is important, and exposure to CRM/data systems or the defence, security or membership environment would be advantageous.
The Contract & Benefits
- Contract Type: Permanent, fulltime role, Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
- Location: Hybrid working - 3 days in the London office and 2 days from home
- Benefits: Bonus, pension, private health insurance, life insurance, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, 9‑day fortnight, hybrid working, extended remote working, enhanced parental leave, 28 days annual leave, buy additional annual leave, long service additional annual leave
Defence Business Support Executive employer: ADS Group Ltd
At ADS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture. Our Defence Business Support Executive role offers the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders in the defence sector while benefiting from a range of perks including hybrid working, generous leave policies, and professional development opportunities. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact our mission to support business development and policy influence in the defence industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Business Support Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence sector, attend industry events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in ADS and the defence sector. Tailor your responses to highlight how your skills align with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience in executive support and how it relates to the role of Defence Business Support Executive.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Business Support Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in executive support and your strong written communication skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the Defence Business Support Executive role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Microsoft Office Skills:Since advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential, be sure to mention any specific projects where you’ve created high-quality presentations or managed complex documents. We love seeing examples of how you’ve used these tools effectively in past roles.
Demonstrate Discretion and Integrity:This role involves handling sensitive information, so it’s crucial to convey your ability to manage confidentiality. Share experiences where you’ve successfully navigated sensitive situations while maintaining professionalism—this will resonate well with us!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at ADS Group Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role inside out. Familiarise yourself with ADS's Special Interest Groups and their impact on the defence sector. This will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Defence Business Support Executive, strong written and verbal communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past, whether through reports, presentations, or stakeholder updates.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Prowess
Be ready to discuss how you manage competing priorities and complex diaries. Share specific strategies or tools you use to stay organised, as this will show that you can handle the demands of the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle sensitive information and work under pressure. Think of scenarios where you've had to exercise discretion or resolve issues proactively, and be prepared to share those experiences.
