At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Director-General with research, analysis, and executive assistance in a dynamic defence 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 with no weekend work.
- Other info: A fast-paced role with opportunities for growth and exposure to high-profile events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the UK defence sector while engaging with senior leaders and stakeholders.
- 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.
- 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
About You
- 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
Desirable
- Experience working within a trade association, membership organisation or B2B environment
- Exposure to sponsored industry reports, events or Government engagement activity
What We Offer
- 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.
Defence Analyst / EA in Coventry employer: 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 employee growth and a dynamic work culture, staff benefit from flexible hours, a competitive salary, and significant exposure to senior leaders in both government and industry. The organisation values diversity and supports the Armed Forces Community, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful employment in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Analyst / EA in Coventry
✨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 latest trends in the UK defence sector. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the industry!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills. Whether it’s presenting your ideas or engaging with senior stakeholders, being articulate and confident will set you apart from the crowd.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Analyst / EA in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in the defence sector. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Defence Analyst / Executive Assistant, so don’t hold back on showcasing your strengths!
Show Off Your Writing Skills:Since strong written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. We’re looking for someone who can prepare high-quality reports and briefings, so let your writing shine through!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:This position requires exceptional organisational abilities, so be sure to mention any relevant experiences where you’ve managed complex schedules or coordinated events. We love seeing examples of how you keep things running smoothly!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Make UK Defence!
How to prepare for a job interview at 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 Defence's role in the industry. This will help you engage confidently with senior stakeholders during the interview.
✨Show Off 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 provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles.
✨Practice Your Research and Analysis
Since the role involves detailed research and report writing, practice summarising complex information clearly and concisely. Bring along a sample of your analytical work if possible, as this can demonstrate your capability and give you an edge in the interview.
