Senior Defence Policy Adviser

ADS; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ADS, the UK trade association for aerospace, defence, security and space, is seeking a Senior Defence Policy Adviser to lead policy development and engagement. You will work with member companies, government representatives and industry stakeholders to shape defence policy priorities and communicate them clearly to members.

You will coordinate policy papers, responses and thought leadership materials, while representing ADS at senior meetings, including joint councils and MoD committees.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of UK defence industry and policy (UK, EU, international).
• Excellent analytical, research and written communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders across government and industry.
• Experience in cross-functional collaboration, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development and communication of ADS defence policy priorities.
• Develop policy papers, consultation responses and thought leadership materials.
• Represent ADS and its members at senior-level meetings and committees.
• Coordinate meetings, actions, and the secondee programme.
• Report to the Director of Policy and Public Affairs and deputise when needed.

Job description

The Role

ADS is the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, representing and supporting more than 2,000 UK businesses, from major multinational organisations to small and medium-sized companies across the country. We work at the forefront of industry, creating business opportunities, supporting innovation and growth, and representing the interests of our members.

We are seeking an experienced and influential Senior Defence Policy Adviser to play a key role in representing and supporting the UK’s defence sector. You will lead the research, development and communication of ADS’ defence policy priorities, ensuring that industry positions are supported by a strong and credible evidence base. You will proactively identify and shape significant policy issues, including the Defence Industrial Strategy and future defence reviews, while monitoring developments across UK, EU and international defence policy.

Working closely with member companies, government representatives and wider industry stakeholders, you will develop policy papers, consultation responses and thought leadership materials. You will represent ADS and its members at senior-level meetings, including the Defence Industries Joint Council and other joint Industry and Ministry of Defence committees, while ensuring that relevant policy developments are communicated clearly and promptly to our membership.

You will collaborate across ADS teams and with external partners, supporting campaigns, events, committees and industry forums. The role also includes coordinating meetings, recording and following up actions, managing the established industry secondee programme, and providing guidance and support to secondees. You will report directly to the Director of Policy and Public Affairs and deputise for them where appropriate.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of the UK defence industry and of UK, EU and international defence policy. You will bring excellent analytical, research and written communication skills, together with sound political judgement and the ability to develop creative, evidence-led approaches to complex policy matters.

You will be a confident and credible communicator who can build effective relationships with senior stakeholders across government and industry. Previous experience of cross-functional collaboration, advocacy and stakeholder engagement will be important, as will the ability to respond effectively to the needs of members and colleagues.

Highly organised and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, you will be able to manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines and maintain a consistently high level of accuracy and attention to detail. You will have advanced IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, and the ability to work independently while contributing positively as part of a wider team.

You will also have experience of line management or mentoring and be able to guide, support and develop others. Confidence and professional presence in senior-level settings are essential, particularly when representing ADS or deputising for senior colleagues. Applicants must be eligible to obtain DBS and Security Check clearance.

The Contract

This is a permanent, full-time position working 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

The role offers hybrid working, with three days based in the London office and two days working from home.

Please see our Job Description Senior Defence Policy Adviser Job Description Sept 2026.pdf