At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging content on military air programmes and collaborate with industry experts.
- Company: Join Shephard Group, a leader in defence information and marketing solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days holiday, and supportive work environment.
- Other info: Attend exciting defence events and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in defence journalism and explore cutting-edge military technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in B2B journalism, strong writing skills, and analytical abilities.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
The HR Booth are delighted to be recruiting for an Air Reporter (within the Defence Insight Team) on behalf of Shephard Group.
ABOUT SHEPHARD
Shephard is a leading provider of business information and marketing solutions to the global defence community. Through our
Defence Insight® and
Marketing Solutions divisions we equip our clients with the data, analysis and audiences they need to create a decisive edge in their markets.
Our business is driven by our four core values: a desire to excel; a determination to challenge the status quo; a commitment to treating our colleagues and customers with integrity; and a constant search for creative solutions.
Defence Insight®, our market intelligence tool, brings together market data, news and analysis from Shephard’s global team of analysts and journalists.
Covering procurement programme forecasts, platform data, contract awards, capability development, acquisition plans and new technologies, Defence Insight® enables our clients to identify opportunities, understand market dynamics and gain insight into their competition, all in one integrated solution.
THE ROLE
We are seeking an
Air Reporter to join the Defence Insight® Content team and produce in-depth, data-informed journalism on global military air programmes.
You will work closely with our Crewed Air and UAV Analysts, and alongside our team of editors, analysts, reporters and researchers, focusing on major uncrewed and crewed air military procurement programmes across NATO and NATO-adjacent nations.
The types of military equipment you will be writing about includes fighter jets, helicopters, uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munitions (kamikaze drones).
This is an ideal next step for an experienced journalist ready to contribute to a 12-month rolling content plan in one of the most dynamic domains of modern defence.
Please note that the start date for this role is expected to be September 2026.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
The accountabilities within the role will include
- Produce high-quality, accurate and engaging long-form content on air procurement, technology and capability developments.
- Collaborate with analysts to create data-led analysis that supports the requirements of Defence Insight® subscribers.
- Develop and maintain a network of industry, military and government sources.
- Pitch, plan and deliver consistent coverage within agreed content cycles and deadlines.
- Ensure accuracy, clarity and compliance with editorial standards.
- Support digital engagement and visibility through social and SEO-optimised activity.
- Work with the Air Desk lead to develop and execute a 12-month rolling content plan to maintain strategic, data-driven coverage across the air sector.
- Attend leading defence trade shows, conferences, military demonstrations and press trips to support first-hand reporting and industry engagement.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Essential
- Proven experience in B2B or specialist journalism (ideally defence, aerospace or maritime sectors).
- Strong reporting, research and writing skills, with the ability to explain complex procurement programmes clearly.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines.
- Confidence in interviewing senior stakeholders.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to work confidently with data and present findings through clear charts and visualisations.
- Excellent command of written English, attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Desirable
- Experience of working with structured defence data or open-source research.
- Knowledge of military air operations or the defence procurement processes.
- Existing professional network within the global defence or maritime industry.
- WHAT WE WILL NEED FROM YOU
- An adherence to our company values.
- A 35-hour working week.
- Availability to attend our quarterly company meetings in person.
- A business quality internet connection in your home (your place of work) to carry out this role effectively.
- A willingness to work within the Entrepreneurial Operating System® framework, which is the management “operating system” implemented by Shephard.
- The right to work in the UK
- unfortunately, we are unable to consider applicants based outside of the UK and Shephard will not be sponsoring visas for this role.
- WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE
- A competitive salary.
- A positive, communicative, flexible and supportive work environment, with regular feedback and reviews.
- Support for training needs.
- Regular communication on a company, team and one-to-one basis.
- Quarterly company meetings in the UK including strategy updates and the opportunity to collaborate in person (travel, accommodation and other relevant expenses covered by Shephard).
- Flexible working opportunities.
- Good employee benefits package (including life assurance, pension, EAP).
- 25 days’ holiday.
HOW TO APPLY
If you are passionate about working with content and have a proven track record of driving editorial excellence in a digital content environment, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and cover letter for consideration.
Please note, only applications featuring a cover letter will be considered.
Air Reporter in London employer: the hr booth
Anderson Smith Insurance Brokers is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment in the heart of Edinburgh, where you can thrive as an Account Executive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide comprehensive training and mentorship from our experienced management team, ensuring you have the tools to succeed. Our commitment to high-quality customer service and recognition as Bravo Network Broker of the Year 2025 reflects our dedication to both our clients and our employees, making this a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Air Reporter in London
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at the hr booth!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like the hr booth, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Air Reporter in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for the hr booth:When applying for the Air Reporter role at the hr booth, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what the hr booth produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at the hr booth
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within the hr booth. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
