Job Advert
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:
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Produce high-quality, accurate and engaging long-form content on air procurement, technology and capability developments.
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Collaborate with analysts to create data-led analysis that supports the requirements of Defence Insight® subscribers.
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Develop and maintain a network of industry, military and government sources.
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Pitch, plan and deliver consistent coverage within agreed content cycles and deadlines.
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Ensure accuracy, clarity and compliance with editorial standards.
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Support digital engagement and visibility through social and SEO-optimised activity.
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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.
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Attend leading defence trade shows, conferences, military demonstrations and press trips to support first-hand reporting and industry engagement.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Essential:
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Proven experience in B2B or specialist journalism (ideally defence, aerospace or maritime sectors).
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Strong reporting, research and writing skills, with the ability to explain complex procurement programmes clearly.
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Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines.
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Confidence in interviewing senior stakeholders.
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Strong analytical skills, with the ability to work confidently with data and present findings through clear charts and visualisations.
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Excellent command of written English, attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Desirable:
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Experience of working with structured defence data or open-source research.
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Knowledge of military air operations or the defence procurement processes.
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Existing professional network within the global defence or maritime industry.
WHAT WE WILL NEED FROM YOU
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An adherence to our company values.
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A 35-hour working week.
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Availability to attend our quarterly company meetings in person.
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A business quality internet connection in your home (your place of work) to carry out this role effectively.
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A willingness to work within the Entrepreneurial Operating System® framework, which is the management “operating system” implemented by Shephard.
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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
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A competitive salary.
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A positive, communicative, flexible and supportive work environment, with regular feedback and reviews.
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Support for training needs.
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Regular communication on a company, team and one-to-one basis.
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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).
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Flexible working opportunities.
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Good employee benefits package (including life assurance, pension, EAP).
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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.
