At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Director-General with research, analysis, and executive assistance in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Make UK Defence, a leading voice for the UK defence manufacturing sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, health cover, and a competitive salary package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to shape the future of UK defence manufacturing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the UK defence sector while engaging with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified with strong MS365 skills and experience in the defence sector.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Make UK Defence is the specialist defence division of Make UK, representing and supporting nearly 1,000 manufacturing and engineering companies across the UK defence supply chain. We work at the centre of UK defence manufacturing, strengthening sovereign capability, improving supply chain resilience and creating meaningful commercial opportunities for our members.
We are seeking a highly organised, analytical and proactive Defence Analyst / Executive Assistant to support our Director-General and leadership team in a fast-paced and high-profile environment. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the UK defence sector, combining strategic research and analysis with senior-level executive support. The successful candidate will play a central role in preparing briefings and reports, managing key stakeholder engagement and ensuring the Director-General is fully briefed and supported across a demanding programme of meetings, events and industry engagement.
The role offers significant exposure to senior figures across Government, the Ministry of Defence and the defence industry, including major prime contractors, SMEs, international partners and emerging defence suppliers. No two days are the same. This is an outward-facing, delivery-focused role requiring exceptional organisational skills, strong written communication and the confidence to engage with senior stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities- Executive Support
- Manage a dynamic and fast-moving diary for the Director-General
- Review, respond to and action complex emails and correspondence
- Coordinate travel, accommodation and visit programmes, including last-minute changes
- Prepare briefing packs and supporting materials for key meetings, events and parliamentary engagements
- Maintain accurate records, filing systems and monthly board reporting information
- Process expenses and provide day-to-day administrative support
- Contribute actively to Make UK Defence's strategy and continuous improvement initiatives
- Research & Analysis
- Conduct detailed research and prepare high-quality reports, briefings and presentations
- Analyse defence companies, including overseas organisations seeking entry into the UK market
- Research international defence markets to support Make UK Defence's global engagement ambitions
- Produce analytical papers and slide decks to support stakeholder engagement and strategic discussions
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage with member companies, defence primes, mid-tier suppliers and new market entrants to gather industry insight and intelligence
- Support engagement with MPs, Government departments and MOD officials through well-informed briefings and market analysis
- Maintain stakeholder mapping and key contact databases across industry and Government
- Coordinate engagement with embassies, high commissions and international trade associations
- Support the planning and delivery of industry roundtables, workshops, visits and defence events
- Degree qualified
- Strong MS365 skills, including PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
- Experience within the defence sector, MOD or a defence-focused organisation
- Strong understanding of the UK defence supply chain
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proven research, analytical and report-writing capability
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
- Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders across Government and industry
- Proactive, self-starting and confident taking initiative
- Willingness to travel regularly to meetings, events and Make UK offices
- Experience working within a trade association, membership organisation or B2B environment
- Exposure to sponsored industry reports, events or Government engagement activity
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- A high-profile role at the centre of a dynamic and growing defence trade association
- Significant exposure to senior leaders across UK defence and Government
- A varied, fast-paced and rewarding working environment
- The opportunity to help shape and support the future of UK defence manufacturing
Make UK staff enjoy a good benefits package and values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Benefits to include, but not limited to: no bank holiday/weekend work, flexible hours, health cover, matched pension contributions up to 8%, and life assurance.
We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and we recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation and have pledged to support this by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Our Values at Make UK: Inclusivity & Diversity, Integrity, Innovation, & Collaboration.
Defence Analyst / EA employer: Make UK Defence
Make UK Defence is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the UK defence sector. With a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, employees benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and significant exposure to senior leaders across government and industry. The dynamic work culture fosters professional growth through strategic engagement and meaningful contributions to the future of UK defence manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Analyst / EA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend defence events and engage with industry professionals. This is your chance to make connections that could lead to job opportunities, so don’t be shy!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its role in the defence sector. Show them you know your stuff and are genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. Whether it’s presenting your ideas or engaging with senior stakeholders, being articulate and confident can set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the UK defence sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Analyst / EA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Defence Analyst / Executive Assistant role. Highlight your relevant experience in the defence sector and showcase how your skills align with what we’re looking for at Make UK Defence.
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, take the time to craft a clear and concise application. Use professional language but keep it engaging – we want to see your personality shine through!
Be Organised:Demonstrate your exceptional organisational skills right from your application. Ensure everything is well-structured, free of errors, and easy to read. A tidy application reflects how you’ll manage the Director-General’s busy schedule!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Make UK Defence!
How to prepare for a job interview at Make UK Defence
✨Know Your Defence Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the UK defence sector. Familiarise yourself with key players, recent news, and Make UK's role in the industry. This will help you engage confidently with senior stakeholders during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Defence Analyst / Executive Assistant, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks. Prepare examples of how you've managed complex schedules or coordinated events in the past. Highlight your attention to detail and ability to stay organised under pressure.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think about how you would approach engaging with various stakeholders, from government officials to industry leaders. Be ready to discuss your communication style and how you build relationships. This is crucial for the role, so have some strategies in mind.
✨Practice Your Research and Analysis Skills
Since the role involves detailed research and report writing, be prepared to discuss your analytical process. Bring examples of reports or presentations you've created, and be ready to explain how you gather and interpret data effectively.
