At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI business development and build partnerships to enhance the UK's AI assurance ecosystem.
- Company: Join the National Physical Laboratory, a leader in measurement science and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, social activities, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of AI in the UK while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic business development within AI or emerging technologies is essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Overview
AI has been identified by the UK Government as a critical technology for the nation's future prosperity, security and competitiveness. Multiple government strategies underscore the need for high-quality assurance mechanisms to support responsible AI development and deployment.
About the Role
As the UK’s national metrology institute, NPL provides the trusted, independent technical foundations that can underpin the UK’s AI assurance ecosystem. With increasing interest from government departments and industry partners, NPL is well placed to offer authoritative testing, evaluation, verification and validation (TEVV) approaches and data-confidence frameworks that support the safe and effective use of trustworthy AI systems. To make the most of this rapidly evolving environment, NPL requires dedicated business development leadership to coordinate how we engage the ecosystem, prioritise partnerships, and build a sustainable pipeline of AI assurance-related activity.
Key Responsibilities
- Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Positioning: Build and maintain relationships with key AI-relevant government departments and national bodies (e.g., DSIT, AISI, Home Office, NCSC, DAIC). Develop strong relationships with standards organisations and industry conveners such as BSI, UKAS, Alan Turing Institute, and Tech UK. Participate actively in UK and international AI assurance discussions to help shape the structure and requirements of the emerging ecosystem.
- Strategic Proposition Development: Work with the Data Science and AI Department to develop a clear and compelling NPL proposition centred on providing the technical foundation for AI quality and assurance. Clarify NPL’s role across government, industry and international partnerships as the organisation that anchors confidence and trust in AI systems. Prioritise partnerships that support NPL’s long-term positioning within the national and international standards and assurance landscape.
- Opportunity Identification & Business Development: Identify and convert strategic AI-related opportunities across government and industry. Lead proposals that position NPL as the core technical partner for AI validation, testing and assurance. Coordinate with sector-specific SBDMs to maintain coherence across NPL’s AI engagements. Identify opportunities for NPL to contribute to major events, thought leadership and collaborative programmes.
- Commercial Leadership: Oversee sales governance, including shaping proposals and contracts. Manage internal governance processes to successfully convert opportunities. Identify and develop repeatable, scalable AI assurance services that can become long-term revenue streams.
About You
Essential:
- Strategic business development experience in AI, digital, data science or emerging technologies.
- Strong ability to cultivate influential relationships across government and industry.
- Ability to navigate complex, fast-moving ecosystems and identify where NPL can anchor long-term value.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Proven track record of securing significant programmes of work.
- Proven ability to effectively work and deliver within a collaborative team environment.
Desirable:
- Understanding of AI assurance, standards, testing, validation, security or safety.
- Experience working with UK government departments or national-level missions.
- Knowledge of the UK AI policy and assurance landscape.
- A strong network of contacts across industry, government, assurance ecosystem and/or the third-sector.
- Experience developing and operationalising strategic plans.
Success Measures
- The quality of relationships with stakeholders is critical so this role will need to be highly visible within the NPL offices (Teddington mostly, but occasionally Glasgow and Cambridge) and externally.
- NPL recognised as a central pillar of the UK’s AI assurance ecosystem.
- Increased pipeline and secured revenue from AI TEVV-related opportunities.
- A well-defined and widely understood NPL trustworthy AI proposition.
- Representation of NPL in high-impact national and international AI forums.
- Development of scalable, repeatable AI TEVV services that strengthen long-term capability.
Diversity and Inclusion
We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical. NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
About Us
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity. As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition. Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us.
AI Strategic Business Development Manager in Teddington employer: National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
At the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the field of AI assurance, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our flexible working arrangements, diverse culture, and extensive benefits, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported. Located in Teddington, with opportunities for engagement across the UK, NPL provides a unique platform for professionals to make a meaningful impact in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Contact Detail:
National Physical Laboratory (NPL) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AI Strategic Business Development Manager in Teddington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the AI and tech space. Attend industry events, webinars, and meetups to meet potential employers and partners. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Create a personal brand by sharing your insights on AI assurance and business development on platforms like LinkedIn. Write articles or post updates that showcase your knowledge and passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like NPL, and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its role in the AI ecosystem. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission. And don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace AI Strategic Business Development Manager in Teddington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in AI and business development. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Relationships:Since building relationships is key for this role, share examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past. We love to see how you’ve navigated complex ecosystems and fostered connections!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your communication is sharp and easy to understand. Avoid jargon unless it’s absolutely necessary!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
✨Know Your AI Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and developments in AI assurance. Understand the key players in the ecosystem, like government departments and standards organisations. This will help you speak confidently about how NPL fits into the bigger picture.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
If possible, try to connect with people in the industry or at NPL before your interview. This could be through LinkedIn or industry events. Having a few names and faces in mind can help you feel more comfortable and show that you're proactive about building relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to stakeholder engagement or business development. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex ecosystems or secured significant programmes of work.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
NPL values teamwork, so be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively within a team environment. Share examples that highlight your communication and negotiation skills, especially in collaborative settings, to demonstrate that you can thrive in their culture.
