Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre – Lead Business Relationship Manager

Women in Data®; England; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in technology seeks a motivated Lead Business Relationship Manager to advance AI initiatives. This role involves engaging with industry and academia, driving strategic relationships, and enhancing the UK's AI ecosystem. Ideal candidates should be self-starters passionate about AI's potential in Defence. Applicants must submit a detailed CV and personal statement addressing the essential criteria, highlighting relevant experience within the defence sector.

Qualifications

• Experience in building collaborative partnerships across various stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills to make decisions based on evidence.
• Ability to understand commercial sector dynamics.
• Work with Academic Engagement Lead and Commercial AI Category Management to map the ecosystem landscape and identify opportunities.
• Champion a culture of open innovation and connect Defence needs with external capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver interventions to foster relationships in AI.
• Engage with representatives across the AI ecosystem.
• Provide timely advice to seniors and teams across Defence.
• Work with the Academic Engagement lead and Commercial AI Category Management team to maintain ecosystem awareness and provide timely advice to Defence.
• Match Defence needs with external capabilities and champion open innovation to accelerate progress.

Skills

Interest in AI

Relationship building

Analytical skills

Strategic thinking

Job description

Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre – Lead Business Relationship Manager

Join to apply for the Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre – Lead Business Relationship Manager role at Women in Data®.

Location:

• MOD Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB
• MOD Corsham, Portsdown West, Portsdown Hill Road, Fareham, PO17 6AD
• Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JQ

Please note that there will be regular travel across all sites, along with other Defence and partner locations in the UK. There may occasionally be a requirement for overseas travel.

Reference number: 440016

Job summary

The MOD's digital teams ensure we remain among the most technologically advanced Armed Forces in the world. We develop and lead in cutting‑edge data science, automation, and cybersecurity solutions to protect the UK and its interests, at home and abroad.

At the Defence AI Centre (DAIC), our mission is to advance the power of artificial intelligence to give the MOD a decisive edge. We drive the ambitious, safe, and responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across Defence, to make the difference where it matters most. Joining the DAIC means becoming part of a world‑leading, multi‑disciplinary team at the forefront of AI innovation. You’ll be working closely with partners across the MOD, international allies, government agencies, industry leaders, and academic experts to shape the future of UK Defence AI.

Step into the forefront of innovation at the DAIC and become part of a pioneering team that's at the forefront of transforming Defence technology!

Defence is an engine for economic growth, technological innovation, and national resilience. This role sits at the heart of that ambition, helping to shape a thriving AI ecosystem that not only strengthens Defence capability but also drives prosperity across the UK’s industrial base. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in advancing the UK Ministry of Defence’s strategic ambition to harness AI responsibly and at pace.

As part of a dynamic and forward‑thinking team, you will report to the External Partnerships Team Leader and be at the forefront of strengthening the UK’s AI ecosystem working closely alongside the DAIC’s Academic Engagement Lead.

In this influential role, you’ll drive meaningful engagement with industry, academia, and other key external stakeholders, ensuring Defence remains connected to cutting‑edge innovation. You’ll act as a trusted advisor to internal Defence teams, guiding them on how best to collaborate with the external AI community. This includes recommending effective partnership models, identifying high‑potential collaborators, and sharing best practices to reduce barriers and accelerate progress.

You’ll serve as a vital connector, matching Defence needs with external capabilities and championing a culture of open innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Plan and deliver interventions that collectively foster a more dynamic and integrated relationship between UK MOD, Industry and Academia for strategic advantage, including:
  • Game changing pilot projects (i.e. AI Model Arena)
  • Contribute to the development of briefing materials, presentations, and digital content that articulate UK MOD’s AI challenges, opportunities, intent, and expectations to external partners.
  • Proactively engage with representatives across the AI ecosystem, including start‑ups, subject‑matter experts, large tech firms, and research institutions, helping ensure they are well‑informed and incentivised to collaborate with Ministry of Defence and contribute to Defence outcomes.
  • Working with the Academic Engagement lead and Commercial AI Category Management team, maintain an awareness of the Ecosystem landscape and use this to provide timely advice to seniors and teams across Defence.

For more information on this role, please refer to the Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework: Business relationship manager - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework.

Person specification

We’re looking for a self‑starting individual with a strong interest in AI and its strategic application in Defence. You’ll be passionate about AI’s transformative potential and committed to supporting its responsible adoption to advance Ministry of Defence objectives.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast‑paced environments, takes initiative, and builds strong relationships across industry, academia, and Defence. You should be confident in aligning external capabilities with Defence priorities and driven by a clear sense of purpose to deliver AI at pace and scale. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, collaborative individual passionate about AI’s transformative potential in Defence and committed to its safe, responsible, and impactful adoption.

When submitting your CV, please ensure it highlights your career history and experience relevant to this role. Additionally, refer to the "Things You Need to Know" section of the advert and include a personal statement (maximum 1,250 words) that demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria. Your response should be clearly structured using subheads that correspond to each of the criteria listed below.

• Motivation: Explain your motivation for applying to work in an organisation that is at the forefront of enabling Defence to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence.
• Commercial: Explain your understanding and experience of commercial sector dynamics, including what motivates business strategies with governments, other companies, and academic partners.
• Analytical: Describe your analytical skills and how you've used evidence to help make decisions, create clear plans, and deliver against them.
• Partnering: Provide evidence of your communication skills, including your ability to build credibility and foster effective, inspiring collaborative partnerships across a range of stakeholders.

Do you want to hear more about this role? We would love for you to join us, and learn more from members of the team, at our upcoming candidate brief, being held on 15/12/25 @ 5pm. To confirm your attendance, please email us, using your personal email at [e-mail] with your name and the CSJ reference number. We will then forward you a Microsoft Teams invite to be able to join on the day.

The DAIC will also soon be recruiting for a range of other exciting roles across our growing team, so keep an eye on the Civil Service Jobs website for upcoming vacancies. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of something truly impactful, stay tuned.

APPLY NOW: Search 'Job title' or 'reference number' on Civil Service Jobs and click to APPLY.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Analyst

Industries

Information Services