Economist

ADS represents and supports more than 2000+ UK businesses operating in the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.

Whether representing industry, connecting our members with business opportunities or driving forward innovation and growth, ADS is at the forefront of an array of activities, events and programmes that benefit our members.

Our membership ranges from major multinational businesses with substantial UK presences, to hundreds of small and medium sized companies in every part of the country.

We are an organisation that aims to deliver to the highest standards, and as such we have successfully been accredited for the ISO
9001:2015 Standard and Cyber Essentials Plus.

We are looking for an Economist to support the Chief Economist on ADS’ economic and industrial data collection and analysis across of variety of cross‑sectoral issues.

This includes but is not limited to supporting the development of robust data sets to continue building ADS’ credibility as the source of industry insights. To enhance economic intelligence, analysis and arguments that inform and evidence ADS policy positions, communications and member services on all key issues within the economic, industrial, ESG and business development agendas.

The Economist will be responsible for generating data collection methods and researching tools to enhance the evidence needed to support specifically ADS policy as well as support the growing business development data requirement. This includes developing written content and analysis of our own external data sources to inform our members and support the wider ADS narrative whilst ensuring our research program is conducted effectively.

• Support the Chief Economist with the collection and analysis of economic data and insights that are relevant to ADS sectors.
• Input structures and supporting mechanisms to streamline data analysis, that will help enhance the credibility and robustness of ADS reporting and will improve the data literacy of the wider organisation.
• Co-leading the collection and collation of the ESG charter signatories reporting, working closely with the ESG executive to host Charter community events, publishing annual reports, and explore options of expanding the Charter to sectors beyond defence. Support on all data being collected, ensuring that it is appropriately demonstrating commitment to ESG ambitions.
• Support our work on understanding trends affecting our sectors in the UK and global economies, collating relevant statistics and indicators
• Supporting ad-hoc requests from colleagues and industry for data on our industries.
• Develop and deliver new ways of presenting relevant industry and economic data to key audiences which support the strategic development of ADS’ economic and business development outputs.
• To develop strategic data partnerships with government and private sector technology stakeholders.
• To provide briefings both written and verbal to internal and external stakeholders and support on key engagement and thought leadership.

• Degree in Economics or a closely related quantitative discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong understanding of macroeconomic and microeconomic principles.
• Experience analysing economic and statistical datasets.
• Ability to interpret economic indicators and explain their implications for businesses and policymakers.
• Strong quantitative analytical skills, ideally including advanced Excel and experience with statistical/data analysis tools.
• Ability to communicate complex economic analysis clearly to non-economist audiences.
• Clear and concise presentational, communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Excellent writing skills in relation to the production of in-house reports, briefings and publications.
• Ability to work autonomously, prioritise and organise work and manage project work streams to ensure deadlines are met.