Defence AI Centre Delivery Manager

UK Ministry of Defence; London; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The UK Ministry of Defence is seeking a Delivery Manager for the Defence AI Centre, responsible for overseeing AI projects that enhance Defence capabilities. The role requires strong leadership, project management skills, and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced environment focused on innovation and strategic advantage.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave

Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme

Access to training courses

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Experience in delivery management in a technology setting.
• Proficient in stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Develop comprehensive project plans in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Manage project budgets and ensure cost-effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Stakeholder Management

Agile Methodology

Lean Practices

Education

APMQ qualified or equivalent

Job description

MOD Corsham, Westwells Road, Corsham, SN13 9NR, MOD Main Building, WhiteHall, Scale Space, White City, London, MOD Abbey Wood, Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8JH

Job Summary

Defence Digital ensures our Armed Forces remain among the most technologically advanced in the world by putting cutting-edge data science, automation, and cybersecurity solutions into the hands of over 200,000 users. Defence Digital’s mission goes beyond the battlefield by leading humanitarian efforts and driving digital innovation that impacts lives across the globe

Watchour video to find out more about what Defence Digital does.

Working to harness the game-changing power of AI, the Defence AI Centre (DAIC) enables and accelerates ambitious, safe, and responsible adoption by teams across UK MOD for strategic advantage. As part of the DAIC, you’ll be a crucial member of a world-class, and multi-disciplinary team at the forefront of AI innovation. You’ll support our collaboration with organisations across UK MOD, international partners, government agencies, industry leaders, and academic specialists to shape the future of UK Defence AI - safeguarding our interests at home and abroad.

The DAIC is a federated UK MOD organisation, led by Defence Digital who are responsible for the recruitment of this role. Put simply, nowhere is AI innovation more important than Defence. If you are passionate about using your skills to make a critical difference, then your next career move could be here!

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

Join us at The Defence AI Centre (DAIC), the cutting-edge hub of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation within UK Defence. Be part of a pioneering team that's at the forefront of transforming Defence technology!

Step into the forefront of innovation at the DAIC where experts from Defence, academia, and industry unite to champion AI development. At the DAIC, we provide essential services for Defence-wide AI adoption and drive breakthrough projects that offer strategic advantages, with progress reported monthly to the Prime Minister.

You'll report directly to the Head of Capability Development, overseeing and propelling a diverse range of delivery projects. These projects typically include AI pathfinders or enablers such as technical tools, upskilling initiatives, or assurance products. In this role, you'll deliver AI-based solutions to meet both business and user needs, support strategic Defence goals, and manage complex or high-risk projects.

Your Key Contributions Will Be:

• Identify project risks and dependencies and develop mitigation strategies, as well as proactively monitoring and addressing, any issues which may arise during project execution.
• Develop a comprehensive project plan including scope, objectives timelines and resource requirements, in collaboration with project stakeholders.
• Be proficient in commercial management, acting as a key contact for suppliers and comprehending government processes to maintain seamless operations.
• Create and manage project budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring cost effectiveness and value for money throughout the project life cycle.
• Oversee quality control processes to align with the product manager to assure the solution meets the use case.
• Allocate and manage project resources efficiently to ensure project goals are met.
  
  

For further information on the role and duties of a Delivery Manager, please refer to the Government Digital and Data Capability Framework: Delivery manager - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk)

Join us at The Defence AI Centre (DAIC), the cutting-edge hub of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation within UK Defence. Be part of a pioneering team that's at the forefront of transforming Defence technology!

Step into the forefront of innovation at the DAIC where experts from Defence, academia, and industry unite to champion AI development. At the DAIC, we provide essential services for Defence-wide AI adoption and drive breakthrough projects that offer strategic advantages, with progress reported monthly to the Prime Minister.

You'll report directly to the Head of Capability Development, overseeing and propelling a diverse range of delivery projects. These projects typically include AI pathfinders or enablers such as technical tools, upskilling initiatives, or assurance products. In this role, you'll deliver AI-based solutions to meet both business and user needs, support strategic Defence goals, and manage complex or high-risk projects.

Your Key Contributions Will Be:

• Identify project risks and dependencies and develop mitigation strategies, as well as proactively monitoring and addressing, any issues which may arise during project execution.
• Develop a comprehensive project plan including scope, objectives timelines and resource requirements, in collaboration with project stakeholders.
• Be proficient in commercial management, acting as a key contact for suppliers and comprehending government processes to maintain seamless operations.
• Create and manage project budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring cost effectiveness and value for money throughout the project life cycle.
• Oversee quality control processes to align with the product manager to assure the solution meets the use case.
• Allocate and manage project resources efficiently to ensure project goals are met.
  
  

For further information on the role and duties of a Delivery Manager, please refer to the Government Digital and Data Capability Framework: Delivery manager - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework (ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk)

Person specification

This role presents an exciting opportunity within a fast-paced environment where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing in the Ministry of Defence. You will need to be a self-starter in a new Defence team, with a strategic mindset, openness to innovation, and a keen interest in leveraging new technologies for Defence enhancement. Your primary motivation should be the responsible and ambitious application of AI in Defence.

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, project and delivery management skills, coupled with a deep understanding of both Agile methodology and Lean practices. You should be able to stay focused on delivery, set clear priorities, and maintain high standards under pressure.

This role requires strong collaboration with diverse stakeholders and excellent interpersonal skills, as you will need to communicate effectively across organisational, technical, and political boundaries to understand the context, impact, and value to Defence.

When Submitting Your CV, Please Highlight Your Career History And Experience Relevant To This Role. Additionally, Refer To The "Things You Need To Know" Section Of The Advert And Provide a Personal Statement (max. 1250 Words) Demonstrating The Essential Criteria Listed Below:

• Proficient in cultivating relationships, navigating challenges, resolving conflicts, and managing stakeholder expectations.
• Experience of delivery management in a technology setting.
• Experience of project planning and leading portfolios and work-streams.
  
  

Do You Want To Hear More About This Role? We Would Love For You To Join Us At Our Candidate Brief, And Learn More From Senior Members Of The Team, At Our Upcoming Candidate Brief, Being Held On The Date Below:

• 04/06/25: 17:00
  
  

To confirm your attendance, please email us at [e-mail] with your name and email address. We will then forward you a Team’s invite to be able to join on the day.

Qualifications

It's mandatory for our Delivery Managers to be APMQ qualified (or equivalent). Candidates will be expected to provide documentary evidence of achievement if called forward for interview. Equivalent qualifications will be considered. Please detail in your supporting statement what equivalent qualifications you hold. Please note all qualifications need to be in date.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
  
  

Alongside your salary of £44,590, Ministry of Defence contributes £12,917 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Flexible working options- we understand the importance of adapting work to your life.
• Inclusion and diversity- our culture celebrates uniqueness and encourages collaboration of diverse thought.
• Generous annual leave- starting with 25 days and growing to 30 after just 5 years.
• Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to volunteer for military or emergency service reserve commitments.
• Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Sports & Social Club and Gyms
• You can read more here- Civil Service Employee Benefits , Civil Service Careers (civil-service-careers.gov.uk)
  
  

Professional Framework Statement

Defence Digital operates an organisation model in which every individual belongs to a Government Profession. The successful applicant will be posted into one of the defined Government Professions on Standard Terms of Reference for the grade. Defence Digital reserves the right to move individuals between roles, within their allocated profession, to meet the needs of the business and in support of agile resourcing.Within Defence Digital each profession is led by a Professional Head of Community who will lead professional development and support the Continuous Professional Development path for their group.

Learning & Development

In Defence Digital we have a strong learning and development ethos, supporting you to fulfil your potential by providing:

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• Professional and Personal Development of skills
• Access to thousands of training courses through Civil Service Learning, some free or paid by MOD
• Ability to obtain industry recognised qualifications supported by MOD
  
  

Hybrid Working

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time. This post is working 37 hours per week. Please note that there will be regular travel across sites to MOD Corsham, Westwells Road, Corsham, SN13 9NR, MOD Main Building, WhiteHall, or Scale Space, White City, London and MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol.

Strategic Command is going through a significant transformation programme which aims to improve the way the Command conducts its business and delivers for Defence and the nation. As a consequence of this, all posts within Strategic Command Headquarters and in time the wider organisation, are/will be subject to review and potential changes as we continuously improve across the period of the transformation programme. These changes may be minor or could be more substantive and will generate new opportunities. Throughout, the Command’s transformation programme is committed to following the MOD’s framework on managing and supporting people through the change process and places an emphasis on early and open consultation and engagement with the Command’s personnel and Trade Unions.

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period.

Please Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

To apply please complete the CV template provided on the CS Jobs dashboard, ensuring your CV highlights your relevance to the essential criteria.

All applicants will also need to provide a personal statement (max. 1250 words) and it is vital that this includes evidence of the essential criteria (which is listed within the Person Specification). Each one will be scored 1-7 and make up part of your overall score to assess your suitability to be invited to interview.

Please Find Below, a Link To Our Video Which Gives You Helpful Tips And Guidance On The CS Jobs Application Process:

Watch: How to apply on CS Jobs: Guide and Tips

AI Usage in Job Applications

We encourage the use of technology to streamline the job application process. Artificial Intelligence(AI) tools can be helpful in generating ideas, improving writing style, and increasing efficiency.However, it is essential that any content submitted as part of a job application is truthful, accurate,and a genuine reflection of the applicant’s qualifications and experiences. Any use of AI should besupplementary to your own knowledge and abilities. Ultimately, the application should demonstrateyour unique skills and suitability for the role.

We’ll assess you against these Behaviours and Strengths during the interview process:

Behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
  
  

Strengths

We will also be asking some ‘strength-based’ questions, which demonstrate the things you do well and are motivated by. The questions are designed to test what strengths you currently have and what you have the potential to develop in the future. We ask the same questions of all candidates, but we don’t give prior indication of what these will be, as they are designed to test your natural responses. There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.

In addition to the interview, you will be required to deliver a 5-minute presentation on a topic related to the role. The presentation topic will be provided to you at least 24 hours before the interview.

If you are selected for an interview, it will be conducted via Teams. While we will strive to offer as much flexibility as possible, please note that alternative dates for interviews or assessments may not be available.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: [e-mail] .

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.

Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

• Name : DD Talent Acquisition Team
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application.If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: , Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: [e-mail].