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 advocate for the UK defence manufacturing sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, health cover, and a competitive salary package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to high-profile industry events.
- 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. Our work brings us into close contact with the Ministry of Defence, major defence primes, mid-tier suppliers, SMEs and innovative new entrants across the sector.
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 in Portsmouth 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 a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and engagement with senior leaders across government and industry. The role of Defence Analyst / Executive Assistant not only provides significant exposure to high-profile stakeholders but also allows for meaningful contributions to the future of UK defence manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Analyst / EA in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the defence sector. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to industry professionals. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its role in the defence industry. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills align with what they’re looking for. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Defence Analyst / Executive Assistant, you’ll need to engage with senior stakeholders. Role-play common interview questions with a friend or use online resources to refine your responses and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make UK defence even stronger together!
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Analyst / EA in Portsmouth
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 cover letter. Use it to demonstrate your ability to prepare high-quality reports and briefings, just like you would in the job!
Be Organised:We love a candidate who can show exceptional organisational skills. When submitting your application, ensure everything is neatly formatted and free of errors. This reflects the attention to detail we value at Make UK Defence.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join 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 UK defence supply chain and current industry trends. Familiarise yourself with key players, recent developments, and how Make UK Defence fits into the bigger picture. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage confidently during discussions.
✨Master the Art of Organisation
Since the role involves managing a dynamic diary and coordinating travel, demonstrate your organisational skills. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. You could even prepare a mock schedule to showcase your planning abilities.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Strong written and verbal communication is crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a brief presentation on a relevant topic to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information effectively.
✨Engage with Confidence
You'll be interacting with senior stakeholders, so it's important to come across as confident and proactive. Prepare questions that show your understanding of the role and the organisation. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you build rapport with the interviewers.
