The picture is one of sustained growth. MOD expenditure with industry supported a total of 272,000 direct jobs in 2023/24, an increase of 11% compared to the previous financial year, according to MOD supported employment estimates 2023/24 - GOV.UKthe MOD supported employment estimates for 2023/24. That builds on earlier momentum: the total number of MOD-supported UK jobs reached 239,000 in 2022/23, an increase of 6% on the previous financial year, as reported in MOD supported employment estimates 2022/23 - GOV.UKthe MOD employment estimates for 2022/23.
Recruitment is keeping pace with that demand. The defence sector continued to be an attractive employer, with surveyed recruitment growing by 17.8% in 2022, according to Defence sector continues contributing significantly to UK economy - GOV.UKthe UK government's analysis of the defence sector. Fresh money is feeding the pipeline too: more than 1,700 new jobs are being created across the UK defence sector following at least £1.4 billion in foreign direct investment committed since July 2024, as set out in Defence dividend delivers thousands of UK jobs following exceptional foreign investment - GOV.UKa government update on the defence dividend.
Aerospace spares logistics sits right in the middle of this. Aircraft and defence platforms only fly when the right part reaches the right place at the right time, so the people who plan, store, move and track those spares are in steady demand.
Aerospace spares work spans a wide spread of jobs, from shop floor to planning desk. The growth in defence-supported employment covers roles like these across the supply chain.
Technology is reshaping the day job too. Sectors like retail and logistics were already actively integrating AI to improve customer insights and streamline functions such as inventory management and supply chains, according to AI Adoption Research - GOV.UKgovernment AI adoption research. For spares logistics, that means stronger demand for people who can work alongside smarter planning and tracking tools, not just lift and shift.
Start with a sharp brief. Spares roles often need specific knowledge: serialised stock, traceability, export controls or airworthiness standards. Spell out which are must-haves and which you can train, so you don't screen out capable people over a certificate they could earn on the job.
Move quickly. With recruitment across the sector growing, strong people have options, and a slow process loses them. Agree your interview slots up front, keep feedback same-day where you can, and make the first call about fit and intent rather than a long form.
Widen the net. Warehouse, stores and planning skills transfer well from retail, automotive and general logistics. Someone with sharp inventory discipline can learn aerospace traceability, so look for the underlying strengths and build the sector detail in.
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