Lead - Defence AI Initiatives

Ministry Of Defence; Chippenham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government department seeks an experienced product manager to lead AI Pathfinder projects across various applications. In this role, you will manage product strategy and delivery, ensuring alignment with stakeholders. A strong background in agile methodologies and product ownership is required, as well as the ability to thrive in complex environments. The position is hybrid and offers a chance to impact the UK's Defence initiatives.

Benefits

Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI technologies

Supportive team environment

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Experience in leading AI projects and product development.
• Adaptability to fast-paced and complex environments.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a portfolio of AI Pathfinder projects.
• Drive product strategy and manage delivery.
• Build partnerships with stakeholders and delivery teams.

Skills

Agile methodologies

Product management

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

User-focused approach

Education

Experience in hybrid delivery environments

Job description

Job Summary

Remote: Hybrid. Location: MOD Corsham, Westwells Road, Corsham, SN13 9NR; MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH; MOD Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB. Please note that regular travel to other sites will be required.

Job Description

You will lead and manage a small and evolving portfolio of AI Pathfinder projects, covering both battlespace and business‑space applications of AI. These AI Pathfinders will typically be in the early stages of the product life cycle, as early incubators, accelerators or proof‑of‑value pilots, with successful projects being scaled. You may lead the team delivering the product or partner with existing development teams across defence.

Apply product thinking to this portfolio, driving quality, value and strategic direction. Work across teams to shape product strategy, manage roadmaps and support programme delivery. In addition to product and people management, provide wider leadership and help build capability by recruiting, mentoring and coaching junior Product Managers.

Play a key role in maintaining stakeholder alignment and delivering innovative, mission‑critical outcomes that harness AI to strengthen the UK’s Defence.

Additional responsibilities include: balancing resources between teams; working with service management teams; developing and executing product strategy; providing engagement and information to enable users; collaborating with problem owners; encouraging continuous improvement of delivery teams.

Person Specification

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to lead on AI products in the absence of established patterns or precedents. The ideal candidate will be adaptable, perceptive and comfortable working in a fast‑paced and complex environment.

Experience in hybrid delivery environments where Agile interfaces with other methodologies such as Waterfall, and a track record of applying Digital Service principles, is essential. A clear understanding of the distinction between product development and bespoke customisation, and proven experience in strategic planning, product ownership and maintaining a strong user‑focused approach, are required.

Experience with AI, machine learning or data science products or programmes would add value; however, we would still love to hear from candidates without this experience.

Statement of Suitability

When submitting your CV, highlight your career history and experience relevant to this role. Provide a statement of suitability (maximum 1250 words) demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria listed below:

• Explain your experience of incubating digital products from the start of their life cycle and into scaling and/or live service.
• Explain your experience of managing competing deadlines while keeping your team engaged, motivated, and aligned with key priorities.
• Describe your ability to build partnerships with customer and delivery teams, achieve consensus and drive strategic decision‑making across diverse stakeholder groups.

Candidate Brief

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 16/12/25 @ 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.

Things you need to know

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. To apply, upload your CV in the relevant section on the Civil Service Jobs dashboard, ensuring it clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. You must also submit a personal statement (maximum 1,250 words) providing evidence of how you meet these criteria.

Selection Process Details

The interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams. You will be assessed against the following:

• Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Bigger Picture, Delivering at Pace, Leadership
• Technical Skills: Lifecycle Management, Product Leadership

If invited to interview, you will be expected to deliver a short presentation on a related topic. The subject of this will be advised nearer the interview time. Applications will close 12 Jan 26, with interviews currently planned for the week commencing 26 Jan 26.

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 developed vetting. See our vetting charter. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard 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).
• 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 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.