At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive AI innovation and strengthen partnerships across Defence, industry, and academia.
- Company: Join the Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre, a leader in AI for national security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career advancement and involvement in cutting-edge projects.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI technology, making a real impact on UK Defence.
- Qualifications: Strong interest in AI, excellent communication skills, and experience in building partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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 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
Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre – Lead Business Relationship Manager in Cardiff employer: Women in Data®
Women in Data® is an exceptional employer that champions diversity and innovation within the tech industry. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from generous annual leave, ongoing development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that values mentorship and technical excellence. Join us in a role that not only enhances your career but also contributes to meaningful initiatives in data and machine learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre – Lead Business Relationship Manager in Cardiff
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like Women in Data®!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre – Lead Business Relationship Manager at Women in Data®.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like Women in Data®.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre – Lead Business Relationship Manager at Women in Data®, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre – Lead Business Relationship Manager in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at Women in Data®, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at Women in Data®. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Women in Data®
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at Women in Data®!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
