Defence Analyst / Executive Assistant
Make UK Defence
Reporting to: Director-General
Home-based with regular travel to Make UK offices and UK Defence events
Full-time, Monday–Friday, 37.5 hours per week
About Make UK Defence
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.
Led by the Director-General, our growing organisation combines policy influence, strategic industry engagement, business improvement programmes and high-profile events to support the future of UK defence manufacturing.
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
About You
Essential Skills & Experience
* 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
With over 125 years of experience, Make UK is a leading provider of essential business support and a champion for manufacturing industry in the UK. Make UK has the close ear of Government and is a trusted provider of essential services for world leading manufacturing companies across the country. Everything we do is designed to inspire British manufacturers to compete, innovate and grow.
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