AI Strategic Business Development Manager

Background

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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 ope rationalising strategic plans.

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.

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.

Please note:

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.