Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre - Lead Product Manager

Join to apply for the Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre - Lead Product Manager role at UK Ministry of Defence

This range is provided by UK Ministry of Defence. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Direct message the job poster from UK Ministry of Defence

MOD Corsham, Westwells Road, Corsham, SN13 9NR
, MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, BS34 8JH
, MOD Main Building, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2HB

Please note that there will be regular travel required to other sites.

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 (AI) to give the MOD a decisive edge. We drive the ambitious, safe, and responsible adoption of 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.

• Lead and manage a small, evolving portfolio of AI Pathfinder projects, covering both battlespace and business‑space applications of AI.
• Apply product thinking to this portfolio, driving quality, value, and strategic direction.
• Shape product strategy, manage roadmaps, and support programme delivery across teams.
• Provide wider leadership and help build capability by recruiting, mentoring, and coaching junior Product Managers.
• Maintain stakeholder alignment and deliver innovative, mission‑critical outcomes that harness AI to strengthen the UK’s Defence.
• Balance resources between teams, ensuring overall outcomes align to product vision and resources are optimised for best value.
• Work with service management teams, ensuring they have timely access to products and information for support.
• Develop and execute product strategy to keep key stakeholders informed and customer value prioritised.
• Provide engagement and information needed to enable users to make the most of the product across its life cycle.
• Work with problem owners to ensure problems are fully understood and product solutions meet their needs.
• Encourage and facilitate continuous improvement of delivery teams.

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.

You will have experience working in hybrid delivery environments where Agile interfaces with other methodologies such as Waterfall, demonstrating the ability to collaborate effectively and reach pragmatic compromises. You will have a track record of applying Digital Service principles to meet user needs, maximise value delivery and operational efficiency. A clear understanding of the distinction between product development and bespoke customisation is essential, along with proven experience in strategic planning, product ownership, and maintaining a strong user‑focused approach.

Experience with AI, machine learning, or data science products or programmes would add value, but don’t worry if you don’t have this, we’d still love to hear from you.

When submitting your CV, please highlight your career history and experience relevant to this role. Additionally, refer to the “Things You Need to Know” section of the advert and provide a statement of suitability (max. 1250 words) demonstrating 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…