Project Co-ordinator: Defence & Security (ERDSC)
Pay rate: £15.59-£16.63 per hour (dependent on experience)
Location: Chelmsford office base with travel across the East of England (hybrid working opportunities)
Hours: Full or part time (dependent on the right candidate, min 3 days per week)
Term: This is a temporary opportunity suitable for a placement student, current student or recent graduate
Start date: Mid-July
Application deadline: Wednesday 24th June
About the opportunity
We’re looking for a motivated placement student, current student, or recent graduate to join the East Regional Defence & Security Cluster (ERDSC) – a fast-growing, high-impact partnership bringing together industry, government, and academia.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a regional economic development programme, supporting innovation, collaboration, and growth across the Defence & Security sector in the East of England.
You’ll play a key role in supporting projects that connect businesses to opportunities, strengthen supply chains, and help position the region as a hub for innovation and enterprise. This role involves engagement across the Defence & Security sector, including businesses that develop and manufacture equipment and technologies used by defence organisations.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll support the coordination and delivery of a range of exciting initiatives, including:
- Supporting the delivery of projects that connect businesses with Defence & Security opportunities
- Helping organise and promote events, workshops, and networking activity
- Conducting research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities and best practice
- Gathering insights from businesses to understand their needs and readiness to engage with the sector
- Supporting stakeholder engagement across universities, local authorities, and industry partners
- Assisting with reports, presentations, and programme updates for senior stakeholders
- Helping manage communications, including newsletters, website updates and social media
You’ll be part of a collaborative environment, gaining exposure to how large-scale programmes and partnerships are delivered.
What we’re looking for
This role is ideal for someone who is curious, organised, and keen to gain real-world experience.
Essential:
- A current student, placement student, or recent graduate from a related discipline e.g. business, economics, STEM, etc.
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Confidence communicating with different audiences
- Ability to analyse information and present it clearly
- Interest in industry engagement, innovation, or economic development
- Ability to build relationships with stakeholders
- Experience creating digital content
Desirable:
- Interest in Defence, Security, aerospace, advanced manufacturing sectors or innovation ecosystems
- Experience working on projects, events, or research tasks
- A driver with access to vehicle due to the regional scope of the role.
What you’ll gain
- Hands-on experience working within a regional innovation and industry cluster
- Exposure to employers, policymakers, and sector leaders
- Development of key skills in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis
- Valuable insight into careers within economic development, partnerships, and the Defence & Security sector
How to apply: Submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining:
- Your interest in the role
- Any relevant skills or experience
- What you hope to gain from the opportunity
Important notice: When making your application, feel free to use AI to enhance your CV and cover letter, but make sure to include REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES that clearly demonstrate your skills, experience, and knowledge. Applications that appear overly generic or lack evidence will be referred to the Employability and Careers team for further support and will not progress to the next stage of recruitment.