Demand is strong and growing. 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 MOD supported employment estimates 2023/24 - GOV.UK. That builds on momentum from the year before, when the total number of MOD-supported UK jobs reached 239,000 in 2022/23, an increase of 6% on the previous financial year MOD supported employment estimates 2022/23 - GOV.UK.
Recruitment activity is rising alongside investment. The defence sector continued to be an attractive employer, with surveyed recruitment growing by 17.8% in 2022 Defence sector continues contributing significantly to UK economy - GOV.UK. More recently, 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 Defence dividend delivers thousands of UK jobs following exceptional foreign investment - GOV.UK. For hiring managers, that means a competitive market and a real appetite for proven talent.
The growth isn't only in uniformed or frontline work. With MOD expenditure supporting 272,000 direct jobs in 2023/24 MOD supported employment estimates 2023/24 - GOV.UK, the openings span engineering, cyber and security operations, logistics, programme management and systems integration. People leaving service often bring exactly the mix these roles need: security awareness, calm under pressure and the habit of leading small teams through complex tasks.
New investment is widening the map, too. With more than 1,700 new jobs being created following at least £1.4 billion in foreign direct investment since July 2024 Defence dividend delivers thousands of UK jobs following exceptional foreign investment - GOV.UK, roles are opening in regions and specialisms that value transferable military experience. Former personnel frequently step into supervisory and technical positions faster than peers, because the operational discipline is already there.
Start by translating. Military CVs use ranks, postings and acronyms that don't always map to civilian job titles, so look past the language to the underlying skills: leadership, planning, risk management and the ability to hold a security clearance. Write job descriptions that name those competencies plainly, and you'll surface stronger matches.
Then move quickly and clearly. The sector is competitive, with surveyed recruitment growing by 17.8% in 2022 Defence sector continues contributing significantly to UK economy - GOV.UK, so a slow or vague process loses good people. Set out the clearance requirements up front, offer a structured interview that lets someone show how they think, and give honest timelines. Treat the first three months as a bridge: pair new joiners with a mentor who can help them learn civilian conventions while the team benefits from their experience.
When demand is this strong, speed and precision matter. We search a database of 15 million candidates to surface people whose skills fit your defence and security roles, including those leaving service. Our recruitment agent manages recruitment end to end for 8% on a successful hire, with no monthly fee and no upfront cost, through Reed.ai. Tell us what the role needs, and we'll start building your shortlist today.
