At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide executive support to the Defence Director and coordinate key business activities.
- Company: Join ADS, a leading organisation supporting 1800+ UK businesses in defence and aerospace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, bonus, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and national security clearance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, Microsoft Office proficiency, and experience in executive support.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Role
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
Company Description
ADS represents and supports more than 1800+ UK businesses operating in the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors. Whether representing industry, connecting our members with business opportunities or driving forward innovation and growth, ADS is at the forefront of an array of activities, events and programmes that benefit our members. Our membership ranges from major multinational businesses with substantial UK presences, to hundreds of small and medium sized companies in every part of the country. We are an organisation that aims to deliver to the highest standards, and as such we have successfully been accredited for the ISO9001:2015 Standard and Cyber Essentials Plus.
Defence Business Support Executive in London employer: ADS GROUP
At ADS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the defence sector. Our hybrid working model allows for a balanced lifestyle, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package including private health insurance, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth. Join us in London, where you will play a pivotal role in supporting our mission to connect and empower over 1800 UK businesses, all while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages your development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Business Support Executive in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with their needs. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own ready to ask!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or presentation that highlights your best work, especially if it relates to executive support or project management. This is your chance to demonstrate your Microsoft Office prowess and attention to detail in a tangible way.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Business Support Executive in London
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 business coordination. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Defence Business Support Executive role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves drafting reports and briefings, it’s crucial to demonstrate your written communication prowess. Include examples of your previous work that showcase your ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple priorities. In your application, mention specific instances where you successfully managed competing tasks or coordinated complex schedules, as this will show us you can handle the demands of the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in the defence sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at ADS GROUP
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Defence Business Support Executive. Familiarise yourself with ADS's mission and how this role contributes to supporting business development and policy influence in the defence sector.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since strong written communication is key for this position, prepare examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to draft briefings, reports, and presentations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure quality and clarity in your communications.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Prowess
Highlight your experience in managing complex diaries and coordinating meetings. Bring specific examples of how you've successfully prioritised multiple tasks and maintained effective governance processes in past roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your discretion and integrity, especially regarding handling sensitive information. Prepare scenarios where you've had to use sound judgement and initiative to resolve issues or anticipate needs in a professional setting.
