At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch business support to the Defence Director and coordinate key activities.
- Company: Join a leading organisation supporting defence and security sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, private health insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, executive assistant experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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 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
At ADS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our Defence Business Support Executive. With a supportive work culture that promotes professional growth and offers a range of benefits including hybrid working, generous leave policies, and comprehensive health insurance, we empower our employees to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the defence sector. Join us in London, where you will have the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and contribute to strategic initiatives in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
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 your communication skills! Since this role requires strong written and verbal abilities, consider doing mock interviews or presentations. We want to see you shine when discussing your experience and ideas.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the defence sector.
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 business coordination. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the Defence Business Support Executive role.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves drafting reports and briefings, it’s crucial to demonstrate your written communication prowess. Use clear, concise language and make sure to proofread for any errors before hitting send!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple tasks and manage complex diaries. In your application, share examples of how you’ve successfully managed competing priorities in previous roles.
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 ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ADS
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Defence Business Support Executive and how they align with your skills. This will help you articulate how your experience makes you the perfect fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As this role requires strong written communication, prepare examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to draft reports, briefings, and presentations. Be ready to discuss how you ensure clarity and quality in your communications, as this will be key in impressing the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Prowess
Highlight your organisational skills by discussing specific instances where you managed complex diaries or coordinated multiple meetings. Use concrete examples to show how you prioritised tasks effectively and ensured smooth operations, which is crucial for supporting senior leaders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your discretion and problem-solving abilities. Think about situations where you had to handle sensitive information or resolve conflicts. Practising your responses will help you convey your proactive approach and sound judgement during the interview.
