At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive AI innovation and foster 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 career opportunities and a chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI technology, shaping the future of UK Defence.
- Qualifications: Passion for AI, strong relationship-building skills, and analytical mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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!
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.
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 at ukstratcomdd-hr-talentacqdel@mod.gov.uk 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 employer: Women in Data®
TANDEM, the commercial brand of The Female Lead, is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture in West London. With a focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package, ensuring our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation and collaboration, making a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre – Lead Business Relationship Manager
✨Get to Grips with Data Visualisation Tools
If you're aiming for a full-time role in business intelligence, brush up on your skills with popular data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI. Showcasing projects where you've transformed raw data into clear visual insights can give you a real edge.
✨Join Local Business Intelligence Meetups
Look for local business intelligence meetups or analytics conferences in your area. These events are not just great for learning but also for networking with industry professionals who could lead you to opportunities at companies like Women in Data®!
✨Engage with Online BI Communities
Join online forums or communities focused on business intelligence—think LinkedIn groups, Reddit threads, or even dedicated Slack channels. Engage actively by sharing your insights and asking questions; this can help you build visibility and connect with potential employers.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Support
If you're a recent graduate, definitely tap into your university's career services. Many have connections with companies in need of full-time BI specialists, and they can guide you on how to pitch yourself effectively—don't miss out on that!
We think you need these skills to ace Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre – Lead Business Relationship Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In the business intelligence field, showcasing your analytical skills is a must. Make sure your CV includes relevant experience with data analysis tools, programming languages like SQL or Python, and any projects where you've interpreted complex data sets to drive business decisions.
Showcase Your Business Acumen:Don't just focus on data; show us how you can apply your insights to real-world business problems. Highlight projects where you made a tangible impact on company performance, and be prepared to explain your thought process in your cover letter.
Tailor Your Documents for Us:When applying for a full-time role at Women in Data®, tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect our organisational goals and strategies. Mention specific tools and methodologies that align with what we do—this shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in our mission!
Include Relevant Certifications:Certifications like Google Data Analytics or similar qualifications can really make you stand out in business intelligence. Include these in your application, as they demonstrate your commitment to the field and your willingness to stay current with industry standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Women in Data®
✨Show off your analytical skills
In a business intelligence role, you're going to need to demonstrate your analytical prowess. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used, like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. Have real-world examples ready where you’ve turned data into actionable insights – this is what makes us shine in interviews!
✨Practice your technical know-how
Expect some technical questions during the interview that dive deep into your understanding of data modelling and analytics frameworks. Brush up on your knowledge of data warehousing concepts and be ready to tackle any real case scenarios they might present. They’ll want to see how you approach problems using your BI toolkit.
✨Portfolio of Projects
Since it's a full-time role, having a strong portfolio is key! Compile case studies demonstrating your previous projects, preferably showing how your insights led to business improvements. This can help us display how you think through complex datasets and your problem-solving process, which is what employers are keen on seeing.
✨Know their business model
Get familiar with Women in Data®’s business model and recent data-driven decisions. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can specifically support their objectives or challenges. Understanding their landscape shows that you’re not just a data buff, but you’re also genuinely interested in how BI can impact their bottom line.
